What Words Are Off-limits in Your Writing?

How good are you at self-editing? I'm a great editor for others, but I don't see mistakes in my work. That's why my critique group is invaluable. Each member has his/her own specialties. When my stories or manuscripts make it through this group, I know they are ready for the next steps.

I've learned from this group that I have some crutch words. I've created a list, and when I'm editing, I go back and look for ways to remove these.

Here are my biggest offenders...

• Just
• Only
• That
• This
• Was
• Were
• Said

I also tend to overuse names and colors.

Now that I've stared my list of things to look for, my writing is tighter before it gets to the critiquers.

Happy writing.