On Adverbs
Adverbs are all over my drafts. And they serve a useful role there. Adverbs are my place holders as ideas rush out and my fingers can’t keep up with them on the keyboard. Later, when I’m editing, they remind me what I was thinking. “He reached clumsily for his keys” can be revised to “He fumbled for his keys.” Or, “She said gently” reminds me to make sure her dialogue makes that feeling clear.
From my 1/1/12 post: "A Writer's New Year Confession – I Don't Hate Adverbs (Or Adjectives)"
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About Me
I was born and raised in northern Illinois, not far from Chicago, but just beyond the suburbs and thus far enough away to be considered “downstate” (or “corn country”) by people in that city. I led a fairly typical Midwestern life until a job opportunity for my husband brought us to the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC, in 2005.
Wow, what a change that was! I never dreamed I’d love the city so much. And I never would’ve imagined the creative spark that followed. But here I am, working on two novels and their sequels.
By part-time day, I’m an archaeologist and planner with an engineering and environmental firm. By evening (and part-time day), my behind is in a chair and I’m working on those novels. Someday (sooner rather than later), I hope to update this page to reflect their publication.
31 October 2011
36 Comments
Leila
/ November 30, 2011I grew up in the DC area. Loved it! The history, people and events, all spark something in me. Keep up the great work.
jmmcdowell
/ November 30, 2011Thanks – you, too! It hasn’t come out in my posts yet, but both books are set in the DC/Northern Virginia area. But some of the characters have similar Midwest roots to mine. Write what we know, eh?
Leila
/ December 14, 2011I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. My way of saying thanks!
jmmcdowell
/ December 14, 2011Thank you so much, Leila! I’ve just had some of those magically appearing deadlines at work, so I need to catch my breath and find some time to focus on blogs – not just mine, but the great ones I follow like yours!
limebirdbeth
/ December 15, 2011Oh no Leila, we keep nominating the same people! Haha. Anyhoo…
Limebird Writers has nominated YOU for a Versatile Bloggers Award. Congratulations! – limebirduk.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/limebird-writers-are-versatile-bloggers-huzzah/
jmmcdowell
/ December 15, 2011Thank you so much! I was going to include you on my Top 15 list when Leila nominated me! Two nominations in 24 hours was quite the compliment! I hope I can keep you all interested as time goes on….!
limebirdbeth
/ December 15, 2011You are welcome! Aww thank you!
norfolknovelist
/ December 16, 2011Thank you for liking my post, you’ve got some great writing here. I’ll be back
jmmcdowell
/ December 16, 2011You’re welcome! And I’ll be visiting your blog more, too.
khushjenny
/ December 21, 2011Nice to meet you here… Very informative blog
jmmcdowell
/ December 21, 2011Nice to meet you, too! I’m really enjoying yours – I love your outlook on life.
Androgoth
/ December 29, 2011Good luck in your quest my friend
Androgoth
jmmcdowell
/ December 29, 2011Thanks for the encouragement!
Sally Panayiotou
/ January 19, 2012Hi there, I would like to pass on the One lovely blog award to you
sallypanayiotou.wordpress.com/
Sally P aka limebirdsally
x
4amWriter
/ January 26, 2012Hi JM, I just wanted to stop by and say how much I love your blog—especially your posts on adverbs. Keep working hard on your novels. One day you’ll get there!
Kate aka 4amWriter aka LimebirdKate
jmmcdowell
/ January 26, 2012Thanks, Kate, that is so nice to hear! Silly me, I didn’t make the connection between your two personae! I’ve just added your 4amWriter blog to the ones I follow.
It is so nice to connect with fellow writers who are so supportive and understand what the journey is like!
Day job is calling, but I’ll be spending some time on your blog soon. And keep up the great work with Limebird — it’s amazing to see how quickly you’ve all struck such a chord with the bloggers on WordPress!
indiaphare
/ February 1, 2012Hey, I’m passing on the 7×7 link award to you – a dubious honour as it comes with quite a set of rules, but feel free to ignore them and just enjoy the kudos. I love your blog and think you should get awards aplenty! indiaphare.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/fall-seven-times-and-stand-up-eight/
jmmcdowell
/ February 1, 2012I just left a thank you on your post, but here’s another one!
fivereflections
/ February 11, 2012i’d enjoy hearing you play Chopin’s Revolutionary Etude…(read on Sally Panayiotou’s space)…
David in Maine USA
jmmcdowell
/ February 11, 2012If we could go back in time a number of years, I wouldn’t be embarrassed to have you hear me play. Unfortunately, I stopped playing once I started graduate school and got busy with other things. Some days I think I’d like to pick it up again. Maybe when I’m retired and not moving around so much….
fivereflections
/ February 11, 2012oh once long ago
fingers touched notes memorized
lost in deep silence
jmmcdowell
/ February 11, 2012Oh, that is so lovely. Words are failing me as I try to make a worthy reply.
fivereflections
/ February 18, 2012words of silence are thoughtful – I can hear you playing…
Sally Panayiotou
/ February 12, 2012That’s beautiful!
adollyciousirony
/ February 18, 2012I look forward on your publication of your novel one day
good luck and thanks for the visit back, I appreciate it a lot!