Word Choice - The importance of it in your writing
With every story there is a great character, a great location, and a great plot. But all those can be lost with the use of words that simply will not work! The best words to use in any kind of writing, both creative and even for essays are words that add meaning, tone, and style to your writing. Most importantly you need to know who your character is. Classify your characters into two groups –
Group one – Informal English – These are your comic relief type characters and normal conversation moments. They are very personal and use popular expressions. Your narrator can fall into this category as well those most fall into the category of Formal English –
Group Two – Formal English –This is your descriptions, action moments and your serious characters. Here is where you really have to pay attention to word choice, long sentences, and so on. This is the hardest type of writing and is where the majority of your editing is going to be in. These sections are the ones that usually contain these errors.
1. Redundancy – As a rule of thumb never repeat a word unless it is like and or but or the, unless it has at least ten words separating it. Also watch out for things that mean the same thing or almost the same thing. People pick up on those very quickly.
2. Repetition – Don’t repeat yourself in the story. If you said it once that should be enough unless you have pages separating and then when you remind the reader of information make sure it is a reminder not a retelling.
3. Usage Errors – Check for words used incorrectly such as – your vs. you’re or there vs. their and effect vs. affect.
4. General Nouns and Verbs – Use these general nouns and verbs only when necessary. When writing descriptions make sure you steer away from these. For instance – the girl moved vs. Rosie slid.
5. Vague Modifiers – Watch for vagueness in your story. It is fine to have cliff hangers but don’t have sky dives.
6. Unique Words – If your characters use unique words or uncommon words make sure that somewhere in the story in a natural way the word is connected to a more common version. This helps the reader understand your story more and will keep them reading. You may even find that the reader will use your new word in their conversations!
Double and triple check your documents always! Don’t try to edit an entire book. Edit one page at a time.
Dream Books LLC
Imagine It – Create It – Live It
Visit www.dreambooksllc.com
www.dreambooksllc.com/editing
Group one – Informal English – These are your comic relief type characters and normal conversation moments. They are very personal and use popular expressions. Your narrator can fall into this category as well those most fall into the category of Formal English –
Group Two – Formal English –This is your descriptions, action moments and your serious characters. Here is where you really have to pay attention to word choice, long sentences, and so on. This is the hardest type of writing and is where the majority of your editing is going to be in. These sections are the ones that usually contain these errors.
1. Redundancy – As a rule of thumb never repeat a word unless it is like and or but or the, unless it has at least ten words separating it. Also watch out for things that mean the same thing or almost the same thing. People pick up on those very quickly.
2. Repetition – Don’t repeat yourself in the story. If you said it once that should be enough unless you have pages separating and then when you remind the reader of information make sure it is a reminder not a retelling.
3. Usage Errors – Check for words used incorrectly such as – your vs. you’re or there vs. their and effect vs. affect.
4. General Nouns and Verbs – Use these general nouns and verbs only when necessary. When writing descriptions make sure you steer away from these. For instance – the girl moved vs. Rosie slid.
5. Vague Modifiers – Watch for vagueness in your story. It is fine to have cliff hangers but don’t have sky dives.
6. Unique Words – If your characters use unique words or uncommon words make sure that somewhere in the story in a natural way the word is connected to a more common version. This helps the reader understand your story more and will keep them reading. You may even find that the reader will use your new word in their conversations!
Double and triple check your documents always! Don’t try to edit an entire book. Edit one page at a time.
Dream Books LLC
Imagine It – Create It – Live It
Visit www.dreambooksllc.com
www.dreambooksllc.com/editing
Tags: authors, book, choice, dreambooksllc, editing, proofreading, style, tips, winning, word, More…
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