PSA to writers and would-be writers, and dithering.

[lagilman]

First, the PSA: before you use a cool-sounding word? Make sure that you know exactly what it means, and that it does the job you are using it to do (cue The Princess Bride quote here). Keeping a dictionary on your desk while you work is a good habit to get into.

When in doubt? Simplicity trumps complexity.


And now the dithering. I have to pack for this weekend. Two signings, one formal and high visibility, and one a drive-by. Lunch with madame editrix. Drink dates with various sundries (check in, various sundries, so we can actually schedule said drinks!). Formal cocktail party. Brunch on Sunday. One, count 'em ONE small suitcase.

I can do this. I just have to figure out what Look I'm going for. Professional Writer-being? Flirty chic-lit fantasy writer? Basic black New Yorker?

Professionally flirty basic black New Yorker?

I'm gonna need new shoes.

Comments

random persons two cents...

[meekachuegs.livejournal.com]

cool-sounding words; what if your dictionary and thesarus have gone AWOL or MIA or even LWAHoR(lost without hope of recovery)? serious if you want to use something like that as a character quirk don't?

packingfortravel; go for the PfbbNY with a slash of color like red shoes or polka dots even or glitter.

Re: random persons two cents...

[lagilman]

cool-sounding words; what if your dictionary and thesarus have gone AWOL or MIA or even LWAHoR(lost without hope of recovery)? serious if you want to use something like that as a character quirk don't?

Seriously? You don't establish a character quirk by misusing a word. You may have the character mis-use a word, but that's a different thing entirely. Doing that means that you-the-author have to know exactly what the word means, and why/how the character would mis-use it.

packingfortravel; go for the PfbbNY with a slash of color like red shoes or polka dots even or glitter.

*laughter* I am so NOT a polka dotter. Or much for glitter, either.

Re: random persons two cents...

[meekachuegs.livejournal.com]

which boils down to know what you're talking about before you write it. Got it.


Strappy two inch dress sandals in teal or tangerine? ;-p

okay I'll stop now while I'm ahead and don't have to have foot removed from mouth surgery.