"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
If you are so inclined to overuse boring words such as "very" or "really", or other words that do not move your story forward, stop and think about this quote. It makes me take a closer look, and it helps me to write with impact.
I received an email today that illustrates this point. A little boy sat begging on a corner with his upturned hat and a sign that read: I am blind, please help. The boy received only a few coins.
A man walked by and turned the blind boy's sign board around and wrote: Today is a beautiful day, but I cannot see it.
The blind boy received many donations.
There you have it: the first ingredient for a Chicken Soup for the Soul story. Both signs told people that the boy was blind. The second told people that they were lucky that they were not blind. It is obvious which sign was more effective.
Be creative, and innovative and your writing will be more effective. Write with impact and remember that your titles are as important as the content of your story.
This unattributed quote was attached to the email. Be thankful. When life gives you 100 reasons to cry, show life 1000 reasons to smile.
Will you tell me two things that made you smile today?