FROM ANNIEO
I am confused about a recent critique I received by a publishing insider (as part of a contest I entered recently). This person stated that I used passive verbs. I understand passive voice occurs when the subject is acted upon, instead of having the subject perform the action. I also understand about linking verbs and complements. I just don't see it and would appreciate any help.
Below is the paragraph in question, and the alleged passive verbs are in caps:
The mornings ARE mine, and so IS this room. It IS small and the ceilings sloped, an attic transformed into a sanctuary. The house IS old, its walls full of conversations that creak stories of the past. Next to the filing cabinet IS my paint splattered and battle worn easel...
Any comments would be greatly appreciated. I do not want to make amateurish mistakes, but this critique left me scratching my head.
RESPONSE
None of those verbs are passive though the verb "to be" is used to form passive voice. See "About Hammer & Tongs" for a detailed explanation of passive voice.
All those verbs are empty though. The verb "to be" weakens your writing. As much as possible replace "to be" verbs with stronger more descriptive verbs. Don't forget metaphors and personification. Something like this:
I love mornings in my room, my small attic sanctuary with sloped ceilings. The walls of this old house eavesdropped on so many past conversations and now gossip about them in groans and creaks. Next to the filing cabinet, my paint- splattered and battle-worn easel stands at attention…