Comments on: 4 Writing Crutches that Insult the Reader's Intelligence

By: Sharon Goodenough

Sharon Goodenough — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 00:23:05 +0000

Hi Kristen,
I just found your blog. Before I did, I was reminded of a book I read years ago that I threw across the room and could not finish. I googled “when writers insult the reader’s intelligence by overexplaining” and found you! I wondered if others had the same reaction or it was just me. I felt the author was over explaining and telling instead of showing. I looked for reviews and found most reviewers gushing over his (first and looks like only) novel Shooting an Albatross. I met the author at a farmer’s market in Oregon where he was hawking his book. I decided to take a chance on him and bought his book. A few chapters in, I had to force myself to keep reading until I couldn’t take any more. I was wondering if you had ever heard of this self-published book by Steven R. Lundin and what your opinion of his writing is. Has anyone else reading this blog read the book? Am I wrong? I wish I had the book with me to quote some passages but I “lost” it in the move. Thank you for listening and I look forward to any feedback 🙂

By: Top Ten Posts of Week Beginning 25th July » markaeology

Top Ten Posts of Week Beginning 25th July » markaeology — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:41:05 +0000

[…] 4 Writing Crutches that Insult the Reader’s Intelligence: Kristen Lamb’s back with a great post on how NOT to treat readers like they’re stupid. It focusses on redundancies quite a bit, and has a great section about showing not telling. […]

By: kerrymeacham

kerrymeacham — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 13:25:30 +0000

LOL – with 92 comments, what is there left to add? Awesome post Kristen, as always.

By: Blog Treasures 7-30 « Gene Lempp's Blog

Blog Treasures 7-30 « Gene Lempp's Blog — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 12:34:42 +0000

[…] Lamb explores 4 Writing Crutches that Insult the Readers Intelligence (and how avoiding them will give your writing that professional […]

By: Marilag Lubag

Marilag Lubag — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:21:09 +0000

Billy Mays? Seriously? The guy sold a lot of products.

By: alicamckennajohnson

alicamckennajohnson — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 23:11:43 +0000

All so true! And I’m guilty along with every one else- but that’s what first drafts are for right? I do have a question- what about using italics for something that is being read in the story. A key ‘character’ in my book is mom’s journal. I’ve chosen to use italics to separate it just a bit more and so each time she thinks about advice her mom left her I don’t have to introduce the journal. Is this Okay, lazy, or not enough info to make a choice? LOL!

By: JR Tague

JR Tague — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:16:56 +0000

Thanks so much for the great tips! I’m starting revisions on my first novel and it’s very helpful to have specific issues to look out for.
I’m at the point where I cringe whenever I write an adverb. But I’m still having trouble paring them down. Baby steps, I suppose 🙂

By: Jennifer K. Hale

Jennifer K. Hale — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:43:43 +0000

I laughed out loud and the thought of the book shouting at you like Billy Mays. Thanks for posting this. Great tips we all need to be reminded of, especially as we hone the craft.

By: For The Big Mistakes (And the Small Ones) | Emerald Barnes' Dreaming Awake Blog

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:04:48 +0000

[…] any of you follow Kristen Lamb’s blog, then you might have read 4 Writing Crutches that Insult the Reader’s Intelligence. I have added these to my list of things to watch out for as well. In fact, I have taken out […]

By: Jenna C

Jenna C — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:38:11 +0000

I have a habit of throwing in adverbs. Instead of trying not to write them I just put them in and regularly go through and delete the lot!