Cruci's Thoughts on The 'Adverb Exorcism': What Stephen King's 'On Writing' Teaches Us About the Power of Strong Verbs

Introduction

Grab your favorite writing brew—I’ve got a freshly poured dark roast beside me—and let’s talk about a book that sits proudly on my shelf: Stephen King’s On Writing. If you’ve ever dipped your toes into the beautiful, sometimes chaotic world of storytelling, you’ve likely encountered King’s famous, almost terrifying declaration: “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”

It sounds incredibly dramatic, doesn't it? But here’s the thing... when we first start writing, those handy little "-ly" words feel like lifesavers. We write that a character walked slowly or laughed loudly because we want our readers to see exactly what we see. But more often than not, we’re actually diluting our prose, robbing our sentences of their natural energy and momentum.

This post is all about performing an "adverb exorcism" on your draft. We’re going to explore why King holds such a fierce grudge against these modifiers, and how swapping them out for strong, muscular verbs can instantly elevate your writing. Whether you’re working on an epic fantasy or a contemporary drama, learning to trust your verbs is one of the greatest gifts you can give your story.

My Perspective

Between you and me, when I first read King’s manifesto on adverbs, I felt a little targeted. I used to think dressing up my verbs in shiny "-ly" outfits made my prose look sophisticated. I’d write things like, “she walked slowly” or “he laughed loudly.” But here’s the thing: those adverbs were often just band-aids for lazy verb choices. When I finally dared to cross them out, my writing didn't lose its color—it gained muscle.

I remember sitting in my favorite corner booth at the local coffee shop, vintage Waterman pen in hand, literally scratching out every "-ly" word on my printed draft. It felt terrifying, like stripping away the cozy blankets of my sentences. But replacing “she walked slowly” with “she lingered” or “she plodded” unlocked a whole new level of character depth. It’s like finding the perfect plot twist; suddenly, the verb itself does the heavy lifting, revealing emotion and subtext without needing an escort.

It’s not about banning adverbs entirely—even King admits they have their place. It’s about making sure every single word earns its keep on the page. Let's look at exactly why these little words can dilute our storytelling power.

Practical Tips

So, how do we actually perform this "exorcism" without losing our minds? Put down your editing scalpel for a moment—or, in my case, my trusty vintage Waterman fountain pen—and let’s look at a few practical ways to hunt down those pesky adverbs and replace them with verbs that pack a punch.

Here is my go-to checklist when I’m polishing a draft in my favorite cozy coffee shop corner:

• The "-ly" Search Party: Hit Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F) and search for "ly ". It’s a brilliant way to highlight the culprits. Don't delete them all blindly, but challenge each one to earn its keep.
• Play the "One-Word Upgrade" Game: When you find a phrase like "ran quickly," challenge yourself to find a single, evocative verb. Did they sprint, dash, bolt, or scurry? Each carries a completely different mood.
• Show the Emotion: Instead of writing "she said angrily," show the slammed door, the narrowed eyes, or the white-knuckled grip on a mug. Let the physical action do the heavy lifting.

It takes a little extra time, but watching your prose tighten up and come alive is absolutely brilliant. ✨

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, remember that writing is a process of discovery, not a test of perfection. Stephen King’s advice isn’t about stripping the joy out of your prose; it’s about clearing away the clutter so your story’s true heart can shine through. Don't let the fear of the "adverb exorcism" paralyze your creative flow. Write with abandon! Let those "-ly" words slip onto the page during your first pass if they help you keep your momentum.

You can always go back later—perhaps with a fresh warm brew beside you and your favorite editing pen in hand—and swap them for vibrant, active verbs. Editing is where the magic happens, transforming a rough sketch into a masterpiece. As my best friend Tanner always reminds me, every step of the writing journey is worth celebrating.

Here’s my favorite parting thought for you today: plot holes can be filled, but blank pages can't be edited. Your unique voice matters, and the world deserves to read your story. Now, go open up that draft, find those strong verbs, and let your writing truly shine! ✨