If you are writing a literal killer or a high-stakes antagonist, they must feel authentic.

A killer first sentence is a handshake that refuses to let go.

: Replace weak "verb + adverb" combos. Instead of saying someone "said crossly," use "demanded" or "thundered".

: Nouns like "coordination" or "participation" are often clunky and indirect. Use active verbs like "coordinate" or "participate" instead.