In fourth grade, each time we had to do a special assignment, the teacher passed around little blue composition books. I'd write stories and essays using those lovely verb descriptors: adverbs. You might remember those, even though they've been blacklisted from the modern writing world: She walked slowly. His eyes widened slightly. She drank noisily. He said enthusiastically. 

I grew up assuming that adverbs were good - the more, the better. Even now, when I read to my five-year-old daughter, her books are full of them. 

Then I started reading writer's magazines. "If the verb is strong enough," all of the articles proclaimed, "then you don't need any adverbs. Search through your entire manuscript and delete any words ending in 'ly'. Replace all of the associated verbs with stronger verbs." You cannot write "She walked slowly." Instead, write: "She dragged her feet" or "He plodded along" or "She crept through the silent house." Admittedly, these verbs do project a more vivid image of the action, and I use them as much as I can. In fact, I have an Excel workbook full of verbs, and a specific worksheet dedicated just to verbs that describe a person's walk (I'm an engineer; I like spreadsheets.). 

Still, while deleting/replacing my adverbs, I kept wondering, why are we taught to use adverbs as kids if we're not supposed to use them when we grow up? I don't get it. Either teach us to use stronger verbs, or let us use the adverbs! I'll admit - I've rebelled here and there. If you look closely, the 'ly' sometimes creeps into my writing. Because instead of shuffling, hobbling, or lumbering, my character just wants to walk slowly!

There is no such thing, right?

Last February, I found a local writer's group. They're awesome - smart and dedicated and incredibly helpful. We meet once a week. Those of us who are working on projects read a few pages out loud while everyone else marks up the copies that we've distributed. Then the critiquing starts. On some days, they tell me that my writing is great. On other days, I feel like I should have brought a shot of tequila before my turn. 

The best part is, a few of the members agreed to read my book in its entirety. We met at my house last week to discuss their feedback. I made lunch-grilled chicken, salad, Black Thai rice, sweet potato kale quesadillas-and of course cookies for dessert. The feedback was...constructive. Second half of the book was really good. First half needed some work (I'm being nice to myself.). I took notes and nodded a lot. Yes, it was a good idea to put some limits around Kailee's capabilities. No, I wasn't getting rid of the Kabbalah, just because one guy in my group can't stand paranormal anything. 

I typed everything up using One Note (my new favorite writing tool-it's awesome) and now I'm working hard at the edits (except right now, while I'm typing this). My goal is to be done by the end of the year. Wish me luck.