I was reading a writing book by Stephen King and when it got to the part about adverbs, I was a little discouraged since -ly words are often my favorite & pepper my language and first drafts.

But, you're both right and the writing is stronger without them. Now when I read a story adverbs glare out me almost as much as anything but the word "said" when people are talking. Breaking that habit has changed my writing, since I didn't realize how lazy I was being & given me a pet peeve as a reader. Bonus!

Now I must Google "dialogue tags" and see what other writing faux pas I make! 😆