I am extremely partial to words. I just love them! Different ways to say different things, strange patterns that feel fascinating on the tongue, fancy speech that causes language to sound exquisite. Awe, I adore it! The only problem with my word passion is that it takes a while for my mouth to get used to saying them, much less my brain to recall all the definitions. When I wish to say one word, my mind dwindles, forgetting what the word actually is and means. Thus, I do not use extravagant vocal speech as often as I'd like. I suppose that's why I enjoy writing... Huh, new insights. Anyway, the mastering of various word usage is key to the writer. You see, people are drawn to that kind of thing, the producing of different synonyms throughout a novel (or essay, short story, blog post, etc.). It's simply another tactic to attract readers. Of course, us authors must pick our words carefully. We can't have a long word that no one knows the meaning of (unless that's the intention). And dialogue is tricky with this also, for different characters have different personal dictionaries. We can't have a 5 year old talking in perfect language, or a lawyer taking up heavy slang... again, unless those are the intentions. But avoiding repetitive words would most definitely improve any form of manuscript. We all have our comfort words that we automatically insert into various texts, especially talking. I, for one, tend to say "like" a lot more out loud than when I'm writing. But when writing, I have a tendency to put in "well" or "so", thus I have to keep an eye out for those type of terms. Another thing we tend to do is go for the first word that pops in our head, such as "big" and "small, "good" and "bad", when we could use other synonyms such as "gigantic" and "minuscule", "fantastic" and "cruel". Simple changes like that can really bring a story together, make it flow. Currently, I'm reading "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (excellent book so far; I'll have to do a review on it), and a few of the reasons why I really enjoy it are: 1: It's an incredible story 2: I am in love with Paolini's descriptions And 3: He rarely ever has the same word repeated on the same page. Of course, the basic "he", "she", "it" and such are there, but Paolini's use of various word choice is spectacular! It draws me in and paints the picture so beautifully! Plus, I'm a sucker for pretty words... Hope this helps with other writers out there! What are some of your favorite words? Is anyone else in love with Christopher Paolini's writing? Having any synonym struggles? Leave your responses and reflections in the comments and I shall respond as soon as possible! Thanks for reading! Emory R. Frie
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"Stories help us remember what we never want to forget" - Neverland (The Realms Series, Book Two) AuthorEmory R. Frie is the award-winning author of Heart of a Lion and The Realms Series, and has works published by The Journal, Darling Magazine and Ramifications. She is the founder of Life Lights Copywriting for social businesses and nonprofits, has a bachelor's in creative writing at Berry College and currently lives in Boone, NC. |