Writer gripe of the day: the word “something.”

Writer gripe of the day: the word “something.”

I’ve officially broken up with it. I have decided I dislike this word because in fiction writing it is overused, vague, and nondescript. I’ve officially declared it my nemesis.

In fiction writing, something is the literary equivalent of shrugging mid-sentence.
❌ “Something flickered across his face.”
❌ “Something pulsed between us at his touch.”
❌ “Something hulked in the bushes.”

...Cool. But what flickered? A smile? Guilt? Murderous intent? Regret? Lust? The urge to sneeze?

What pulsed—desire, dread, mild indigestion? A cursed fitness tracker?

And in the bushes—was it a bear? A demon? The neighbor’s dog? Your editor?

“Something” is vague. It’s a placeholder. And it robs readers of the juicy, specific details that make a scene come alive. So lately, I’ve been giving it the side-eye during revisions. Readers want specifics. So now when I see it in my draft, I replace it with an actual thing.

Writers, do you have a word you’re currently at war with?

Let’s vent. I’ll bring snacks.

#AmWriting #WriterLife #EditingWoes #WordsMatter #AmWriting