3T Writing Tidbit

Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.

Assorted editing stumbling blocks.

• sidetrack is one word
• bloodsucking is one word
• check all helping verbs and modals (he had rescued, she would love) to make sure they're absolutely necessary. Verbs are often sharper and cleaner without the added words (he rescued, she loved).
• don't hyphenate -ly adverbial phrases (nearly whole love, not nearly-whole love)
• ... = trailing off
• — = interruption
• Current practice is to italicize present-tense thoughts.
• Black market is the noun, black-market is the verb and black-market blood is a compound adjective