So here's a little something I learned in class today. Firstly, venture through your manuscript while underlining any form of "to be": am, are, is, was were, be, being, been, had been, will be, was being. Now rewrite those sentences without using the underlined "to be" words. Your sentences should sound more immediate and active. Here's an example from my writing:
Before: "It's like being catapulted through a rainbow..."
After: "It's like catapulting through a rainbow..."
Better? I think so! :)