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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9411-Sound-Like-You.html
Drama: March 20, 2019 Issue [#9411]




 This week: Sound Like You
  Edited by: amy-Finally writing a novel. Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Hi! It's amy-Finally writing a novel. Author IconMail Icon. I wanted to share with you one of my major pet peeves, authors who write like they have swallowed a dictionary, and how to avoid this. I hope it is valuable in your writing and that you enjoy the pieces I have showcased.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Letter from the editor

Do you know what I hate? People who write like they've just swallowed a dictionary. In most novels and short stories you do see more formal writing than you would get in normal conversation, and that's just the way it is. Over my years of reading I have poured over the Webster's Dictionary more often than I'd like to think of trying to find out what some authors are talking about. Just from their writing I know that these authors are probably not someone I would feel comfortable sitting down and having a conversation with, and this is something I consider when deciding whether or not to buy another book by an author. Here are a few things that any author should know when writing their books or stories about how to sound.

Contractions

Real people use contractions in everyday speech. I see no reason not to use them in novels. Using contractions makes the writer and their characters sound like normal people.

Description

Similes and metaphors are effective in writing. They help paint a picture for the reader of the setting, the appearance of the characters and their emotions, as well as many other things. Don't, though, get too flowery with these techniques. Use comparisons that most people will recognize. I like to use some of the expressions I hear people in my own life use every day as similes and metaphors: brazen as brass, as big as all outdoors, just to name two.

Simple words

It sounds nice to use words which people have to look up, but are you really impressing your reader? The answer to this is probably not. My vocabulary has been expanded with all the books I have read over the years. But, it did get aggravating when time I could have spent enjoying the story was spent running to the dictionary. It is okay to use words that many people know the meaning of. Long words could be used in dialogue for a snobby person, to bring that character trait out.

I am not saying to sound uneducated or stupid. I am just stressing that many readers might want to feel like the authors they read are someone they would want to sit down and have coffee with.


Editor's Picks

 
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Phineas Open in new Window. (E)
Short fictional story. But could there be a grain of truth?
#2184017 by Sumojo Author IconMail Icon


 Where's Dad? Open in new Window. (E)
A young man becomes worried when he learns of his father's illness and the tragic night.
#2184185 by tompalb Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2184158 by Not Available.


 Life In Theatrical Eyes  Open in new Window. (E)
A persons life described on a stage of the theater.
#2180830 by Preston Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1961712 by Not Available.


 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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ASIN: 0997970618
Amazon's Price: $ 14.99


Ask & Answer

Do you use your friends and family to help create your characters, or is it all made up? Let us know.

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Word from our sponsor
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