How to incorporate Facial Expressions in Your Manuscript

I won't lie, this can be a struggle sometimes. Editors and Literary agents belabour the point of "showing not telling," and I think a big part of that involves being able to describe the character's emotion in the moment. The first time I heard this, I was like ... huh? Not only do I have to write a story, now I have to worry about facial expressions too?

However, if you really think about it, when we speak in real life, we hardly ever keep a straight face. In fact, our facial expressions often depict our mood or whatever sentiment we are trying to convey. As such our characters should do the same. I mean aside from the obvious I think this really helps to bring them alive.

Newbie Alert: Words to Stay Away From

As I wade through the choppy waters of revisions, I see these very words marked out of my script. If you're like me, you're probably wondering ... how else am I to write these sentences?

Turns out there are lots of other ways to write without using words considered a big 'no-no' for seasoned writers. I'm also told editors, agents, and publishers alike find them cringe worthy.
I only know this because my line by line edit came back littered with words for me to get rid of. Rather frustrating but newbies like myself should take joy in honing the craft :)