The So You Think You Can Write blog makes for an interesting read when editors weigh in on trends in publishing. They also give advice on things they’re tired of seeing in romance books, and they recently had a post about phrases that need to be retired.

One phrase that is starting to annoy me in historical romance is “gloved hand/s”. When it first started showing up in books I thought it was a great description (especially as a reminder that our historical characters dressed very differently). However, now I see it in every single book, and it has completely lost its impact.

Here are some of the things editors are sick of (and you can read the whole post HERE):

Her mouth formed a perfect O.

She bit her lip.

His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

She looked up from under her lashes.

She touched his hand and felt a jolt/spark of electricity.

(I’ve got to admit to absolutely despising the last one. People aren’t electrical conductors!)