A writer friend used the word “peruse.” I told her that is the most irritating word in the vocabulary, a throwback to my agent days when thousands of wannabes wrote in to ask if I would read their work. Anyone using that archaic verb I automatically declined. Other words that also stick in my gullet are “pen” (as a verb) and “munch.” Don’t know why.
After wasted days spent worrying about the work-in-hand, have reverted to my old-fashioned ways – printed it out, bought coloured stickers and shall allocate one to each different character. Then I can shuffle the chapters and know where I am. Easy peasy. The old ways are often the best. Though I hate wasting paper.
I know what’s wrong with the book I am halfway through writing, not enough horror or sudden shocks. I guess I shall have to start over again and include some nastiness….. At the moment the working title is DANGEROUS GAMES.
