Thursday, July 19, 2012
Writer's Tip Thursday
Substitute “damn” every time you’re inclined to write “very;” your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain
(from: http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/art-of-writing/)
Did you know Samuel Langhorne Clemens took the name Mark Twain from his time as a river boat pilot? Back then a line - or a 'twain' as it was called - was used as a depth finder as part of the navigation process. They would drop the line and when they had 12' of clearance they would 'mark the twain' - meaning 'clear to go'.
As a river boat Captain, I'm glad my husband has much more modern methods of navigating the river.
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ReplyDeleteHi Angela.Oops, I didn't catch that typo. Let me try again. I had heard that story in school. It's a great one, though. However, I had not read the opening quote from him about subbing 'damn' for "very." I love it! How appropriate for now, even.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips.
Glad you stopped by Barbara. Anything that will help make us right tight is a good thing.
DeleteNeat story on his name. I also like the tip on "very." I love to use the word very.
ReplyDeleteCooking Tip: When in doubt add catsup.
Jan Gallagher
Plan to see you at SWG the 28th of July 2012.
Ketchup should be it's own food group. Though I am trying to taste things without it first. Hehe
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Jan!