Hello. My name is Michelle Flick. I have had That-itis since I was about 20 years old. It all started when I decided to put the word "that" in as a filler in every sentence that I could. Sadly, it didn't stop there, eventually my that-itis leaked into my writing. I am assuming that the texting didn't help. But as my writing grew and developed, sadly I could never get over my addiction with the word 'that'.
So why am I pouring my heart out about this? I just got my first draft back from Nadine. I insert the word that ALL the time. I think one third of my edits are taking out the word 'that'. So I am acknowledging my problem publicly.
So this is my vow bloggers and writers. I will go through my next manuscript, circle every 'that' that appears, and I will delete them (obviously if they serve no purpose other than to fill). This is my pledge.
OK - so what are you guilty of?
I sooo do the same thing when I write. I noticed my "that" problem while I started a different story last year. So whenever I reread my draft, I pay close attention to make sure I'm not using too many words that are unnecessary (mostly THAT but sometimes other words).
ReplyDeleteI can't resist commas....I always end up removing scores of them when I proofread! Probably still have extras....
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of that too. That and so are my two fluff words I have to zap constantly. I think I've gotten a little better, but with each WIP I have a fluff word list I go through.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm happy I am I'm not the only person! I like the idea of a fluff list. That might help me uphold my pledge
ReplyDeleteI often get thatitis. I also have problems with reallyitis, justitis and nameitis.
ReplyDelete