Lochlanina Tobey - Writing Tips and Exercises

THE VERB CHALLENGE

Step out of the comfort zone. We're going to write a piece following these verb rules:

Actually, it's probably easier to write something trying to follow those rules and then revise the piece. Prose or poem, aim for at least one page. This exercise tightens our storytelling skills and condenses our poetic descriptions. The result? "A few well-chosen words."

Remind me, what are the "To Be" verbs we can't use?
Let's conjugate!

infinitive: be
past tense: was, were
present participle : being
past participle: been
present tense: am, are, is (I am, they are, she is)

What are Helping Verbs again?
Have, Be, Do .... these are primary helping verbs. They have no meaning of their own and are used only to help the main verb in the sentence. for example: I do not like coffee. In this sentence, the helping verb do establishes the negative tense of the main verb like.
Modal helping verbs modify the main verb: I might arrive late. or I will arrive late. Changing the helping verb changes the meaning. Remember, you can use some helping verbs but only ones that are actually helpful. Don't just throw them in there for the fun of it, try to choose a main verb the can do the job without help.

Just for the heck of it, What's a adverb?
Adverbs modify verbs: Rachel spoke quickly. Quickly is the adverb telling us how Rachel spoke-- for this exercise we want to say Rachel prattled, or Rachel blurted. Remember we're giving our verbs a workout, try to find verbs that don't need help to convey your meaning.
Adverbs can also modify adjectives: It's a strangely orangish bird. Strangely tells us that this bird wasn't just orange, the orange was a strange orange. Get out your thesaurus. Do some online research. Put on your thinking cap. It's time to find better adjectives or even some strangely evocative proper nouns.

Okay, but what's a Buried Verb?
I have my suspicions about this. Suspicions is a verb that has been buried in a noun. Instead let's say: I suspect this.
Buried verbs end in -ment, -tion, -sion, -ful, or -ance.
Don't have investments, invest.
Don't make commitments, commit.
Don't be joyful, rejoice.

After all, "I hope you enjoy this challenge" is much clearer and easier to read than " I am really hopeful that you will have enjoyment when working on this challenge."