Getting Rid of Over-Used Words in Your Manuscript

I recently searched for the word "stomach" in my manuscript and discovered I was using it as a scapegoat for emotion.

In fact, I am fairly certain my main-character's stomach was a more active character in the story than my main character herself. There were FIFTY-SIX instances of the word in my manuscript!

Her stomach really is quite remarkable for all that it does. It curdles, curls, clenches, reels, growls, churns, turns, drops, rolls, hollows, knots, dives, swoops, tumbles, heaves, caves, ... and the list goes on, my friends! Oh, but the list goes on!

I realized as I went through the "stomachs," that I was missing a grand opportunity for internals.

At first, I was simply seeking substitute words for "stomach" (erm ... "gut?"), but that only cheapened the emotion I was trying to convey. Get rid of the easy physical ways of demonstrating feeling (i.e. "dread pooled in her stomach") and you find yourself relying far more on the thoughts of the character. These thoughts, in turn, influence the thoughts of the reader and bring about a natural shift in emotion for both the character and the reader. 

(Note: I did not say parallel shift. The reader and character may feel very differently about something that has happened, but if you give the thoughts that propel those emotions, you will get something genuine.)

Now, I did not get rid of all "stomach"s because I believe that there is a time and place for everything. But as someone who frequently struggles with including enough internals, this has been vastly beneficial.

HINT: This practice also gives you a chance to deepen your voice--that ever-ambiguous voice that we writers seek to shine!