Too Many Notes
26 May
I’ve discussed previously how one of my favorite movies is Amadeus, I’m sure. Yeah, okay, not totally historically accurate with regard to Salieri, but let’s go with creative license here. Mozart rocks.
There’s this bit after the first performance of Il Seraglio that I love:
Ha! Hilarious!
But seriously, sometimes I read my first drafts and go, “God. Too many notes.” Only, I don’t mean it in the Mozart way– which is that it’s complicated and too advanced for the Royal Ear. Just that I’ve somehow made it to 28 without learning how to control my adjectives. (The battle against adverbs goes much better, though it’s not totally won yet.) So that’d make it in a Baroque way, wouldn’t it?
Anyhow, with the help of the lovely Meghan Brunner, today I’ve managed a second draft of my 20k novella– which she’s cleverly suggested be called “The Blood In Our Veins”. A double meaning as far as the story goes, and I kind of like it. But I’ve still no idea what use I could find for a historical dark fiction novella. I don’t know what compels me to write this crap, but I’d like to petition for slightly more capitalist demons. I would, if only I knew where to address my complaints.
Also, US types can now pre-order Grants Pass. Actually, anyone might be able to, if you just drop Mark Deniz an email, according to that page. I’d like to go on and on about how excited and honored and a million other things I am to be a part of this bad-ass anthology, but it would negate any progress I’ve made today on the War Against Adjective Overuse. So instead, I’ll limit myself to urging you to pre-order your own little Piece of the Plague(s). You won’t regret it, like you did with those other plagues!
—————-
Now playing: Kaiser Chiefs – Half the Truth
via FoxyTunes
I can’t believe I have made it to 35 without seeing that movie. What kind of a life have I lived?
I love the war on adjectives and adverbs! I’ve changed my teaching on the subject because of my experience as a writer. Hopefully (yikes, an adverb), my students are learning the value of verbs and nouns.
Jamie, A life devoid of Amadeus– oh, no! It’s so good. So very, very good.
Aaron, I wish my high school teachers had started me on the crusade early, I might have over a decade of fighting under my belt now. You’re an asset to our cause! Yay for making verbs and nouns count.
Rock me, Amadeus!
Sorry, couldn’t resist ; )
I love that movie. Strangely, so do my kids, and I have no idea if they saw it with me, or someone else.. LOL
I always squirm when people rail against adverbs and adjectives. I’m sure I overuse both. I have noticed though that British writers/editors/publishers are more relaxed about them. I’m reading Iain Banks’ ‘Matter’ at the mo and clearly no one told him adverbs are a bad thing. Three in one sentence? Go for it, Iain!
I’ve only seen Amadeus once but I loved it… Note to self: must watch again.
On the adverb war front, I’ve actually (ahem!) had editors add them to my story. Scratches head.
Nat, I’d be disappointed if someone didn’t start singing it. Now it’s stuck in my head, but that’s cooler than the Overture from the Marriage of Figaro!
Jodi, I saw it with my aunt and uncles when I was too young to know what the hell was going on. I loved it anyhow though, because of that laugh
Your girls are a bit old for that… but I’ll bet they loved it too at first!
You know, that’s something I should’ve mentioned before, Mike: some people (you) can be trusted with adjectives and adverbs. People who are confident in their own well-developed voice, and don’t use them as a shortcut around dynamic verbs and direct nouns.
Just that in my case, and I think in the case of many a newbie, they’re an expression of a lack of confidence in those things. I totally should’ve qualified that in the post, because I love reading adjective and adverb laden prose when it’s done right!
Cate, yes, again! I make it a point to watch it once a month… but we know I’m unhealthily obsessed with long-dead musicians by now, I guess :/ (Franz Liszt is totally my dead boyfriend.)
And believe it or not, I’ve had people add adverbs into my stuff before. Oh my…
As always, delighted to help! It was a fun read. Think of it this way – no established market means you’re a trendsetter! (This is what I keep telling myself about novels about Renaissance Festivals… *wry grin*)
I have come to the conclusion that excessive adjectives and adverbs exist to make us feel productive in second drafts. See! Look at everything I cut!!
Haha! Trendsetter, yes! In fact, I love your takes on both of these little problems. I feel so much cooler now
Oh soooo on my top 10 films of all time
Yay! You make me want to see it now :X To Netflix.com (zoooom)
God, yay for Netflix, man. Of course I had to buy this one since I watch it ALL THE TIME, but Netflix saves lives, man.