tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post113270747326809982..comments2023-09-23T04:56:51.617-07:00Comments on Forensics & Faith: Bring On the Big Ones~ Brandilyn Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04771812607327238979noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132859273355893272005-11-24T11:07:00.000-08:002005-11-24T11:07:00.000-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!!!Happy Thanksgiving!!!Pammerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01883119904346766083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132859207658765292005-11-24T11:06:00.000-08:002005-11-24T11:06:00.000-08:00Oh I read with a dictionary beside me! I absolute...Oh I read with a dictionary beside me! I absolutely LOVE new words. My kewl words rarely make it past my crit partners. Sometimes I leave them in anyway, but I wonder. After searching for the perfect word it is rather deflating to have to go with something that doesn't quite describe it as well.<BR/>Don't worry. I understand you and if I don't I get a dictionary. Then I wow my husband with the new word I learned (he loves words too, lol).<BR/>We'll pray you through the edits. :0)<BR/><BR/>Hugs.Pammerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01883119904346766083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132854106919715432005-11-24T09:41:00.000-08:002005-11-24T09:41:00.000-08:00Just had to add my two cents to the gazillion othe...Just had to add my two cents to the gazillion other comments. Is gazillion a BIG word?<BR/><BR/> With homeschooling my four kids and writing, the only time I have to read is while on the treadmill 2-3 times a week. If I came across “a scrim of nascent stars," I would just SKIM over it and move on. A couple of BIG words wouldn’t bother me if I understood what was going on.<BR/><BR/>I have a limited vocabulary after eleven or so years of conversing in toddlerese. When I come across the same BIG word several times, I might pull out a dictionary, but it’s frustrating and if an author continues to frustrate me, I probably won’t read them again. <BR/><BR/>And Brandilyn, there’s no frustration here with me, so I hope you get to keep your BIG words in. And for fun, I might just look them up!Gina Conroyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13647753231391009981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132793799523372682005-11-23T16:56:00.000-08:002005-11-23T16:56:00.000-08:00Ha..LOL this was great...I just kept saying, "I ag...Ha..LOL this was great...I just kept saying, "I agree," as I worked my way down the page.<BR/><BR/>I always get that 'mother' type of response from my Pastor. I said he was facetious. His response, "That isn't a word!"Bonnie S. Calhounhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11769607640246518804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132778939968100562005-11-23T12:48:00.000-08:002005-11-23T12:48:00.000-08:00Some of us not-so-young-'uns even remember docious...Some of us not-so-young-'uns even remember dociousaliexpisticfragicalirepus. Hahah!<BR/><BR/>I love when a piece of writing challenges my vocabulary and makes me think. I don't mind pulling out the dictionary a time or two or three, but Nick is right--I'd rather not have those times come when I'm absorbed in the story. If an unusual word comes in the heat of action, say, then it needs to be clear in context. If that is so, then I say, Sheathe those red pens!<BR/><BR/>Happy Thanksgiving!<BR/><BR/>BeckyRebecca LuElla Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06823550402103559922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132775890563582472005-11-23T11:58:00.000-08:002005-11-23T11:58:00.000-08:00I loved your blog today, Brandilyn. I sent it arou...I loved your blog today, Brandilyn. I sent it around our editorial department and it evoked some great feedback. Most of us would be kind to you as we wield our red pens (and we all loved "scrim of nascent stars"), but two remarks from my colleagues are worth repeating. One said, it's fine to do this, providing you don't break the bubble for the reader. You have the reader buying into your story and you don't want to break the spell, so to speak, by sending them to the dictionary. The other comment I liked (from a copyeditor) was, "I appreciate writers who can make plain words sound like magic."<BR/><BR/>Happy Thanksgiving!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132774306610780622005-11-23T11:31:00.000-08:002005-11-23T11:31:00.000-08:00Sometimes I find it distracting in a work if the a...Sometimes I find it distracting in a work if the author uses too many unusual words, but I do like to learn new ones. If it's a particularly strange one, I can benefit from having the character muse about the meaning, or even outright explaining what it means (especially if it's one used in their profession). I know there's a balance with that though. <BR/><BR/>There are times I'll read a piece and surmise the author reads nothing in their spare time but the Thesaurus. Not a good thing. Then other times I'll be reading along and the author uses the correct technical term for an object or part of an object, and I'll be thinking, "So THAT's what it's called." I always enjoy those moments. <BR/><BR/>Hope everyone has a great and relaxed Thanksgiving!C.J. Darlingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16541599888177703695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132774109171301992005-11-23T11:28:00.000-08:002005-11-23T11:28:00.000-08:00I like having my vocabulary stretched some. SOME. ...I like having my vocabulary stretched some. SOME. But I think some authors (not you, BC!) sometimes throw big words in for no other reason than to sound more intelligent. Last year I read "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay." Wonderful book (which would explain it winning a Pulitzer), but I have to heartily disagree with the reviewer who called it "An effortless read." Yes, the words were usually perfect in their usage, but I had to keep a dictionary on hand to read the darned thing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132772976368117852005-11-23T11:09:00.000-08:002005-11-23T11:09:00.000-08:00I love learning new vocabulary words. I say, put '...I love learning new vocabulary words. I say, put 'em in. :-)<BR/><BR/>Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!Lynettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424933935528963708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132769380775372332005-11-23T10:09:00.000-08:002005-11-23T10:09:00.000-08:00Um, if I don't know a word, I look it up. You use ...Um, if I don't know a word, I look it up. You use whatever words you want...just don't overdo it I guess is the trick.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04089903053496930165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132766726195779572005-11-23T09:25:00.000-08:002005-11-23T09:25:00.000-08:00When I write, I tend to stay away from unusual wor...When I write, I tend to stay away from unusual words because they're not a normal part of my natural language. When I read, I read sentences. If a word stands out from the sentence, it stops the flow of the story and I don't like it. However, if an unusual word (one I don't know) makes sense in context based on knowing the root word or a similar sounding word, I can fly right on without stopping for it. It especially helps if it is onomatopoeic.<BR/><BR/>So go ahead and use your big funky (sorry, I mean unusual) words. I don't have to know every word if I get the sentence. Most good writers are able to capture my imagination with a few words I don't know.<BR/><BR/>I wasn't going to comment until after Thanksgiving, but I had to put in my two cents about not stopping the story to find the dictionary.<BR/><BR/>Now I'm off to eat turkey.Dominohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05698502437170233088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132758717076444162005-11-23T07:11:00.000-08:002005-11-23T07:11:00.000-08:00Oh, my goodness, these comments are killin' me! I'...Oh, my goodness, these comments are killin' me! I'm laughing like crazy.<BR/><BR/>Deb--You can use 'scrim' in your next book. I'll let you. But if I see 'scrim of nascent stars,' I'm comin' after ya, girl.<BR/><BR/>Gina--you're too clever. Thanks for picking up on my Mary Poppins schtik. And you being so young!<BR/><BR/>Lynette--aw, girl, baaaad time for an ant farm in your house. Take long showers.<BR/><BR/>By the way, anybody know what's happened to Ron? I haven't seen a comment from him in ages.~ Brandilyn Collinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04771812607327238979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132757814922855572005-11-23T06:56:00.000-08:002005-11-23T06:56:00.000-08:00I'm in agreement. Leave the "big"/obscure words in...I'm in agreement. Leave the "big"/obscure words in. Although I'll have to remember never to challenge you to a game of Scrabble should we ever meet! hehehe. <BR/><BR/>Oh, and I am halfway through Web of Lies...got it yesterday...<BR/><BR/>And, um...wow...I'll finish it today at some point.<BR/><BR/>And, Brandilyn, I would just like to say that my son and daughter just got an ANT farm! ARGHHH. (For those of you who are reading this post and are confused, you'll understand after you read the book.)<BR/><BR/>Blessings...<BR/><BR/>Lynette ELynette Easonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06296886159998143298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132757170900588392005-11-23T06:46:00.000-08:002005-11-23T06:46:00.000-08:00I agree with everyone above. I come across a coupl...I agree with everyone above. I come across a couple of unfamiliar words per one of your novels. Even if I don't run to the dictionary, I get the feeling it was the right word to use. Now, I'm annoyed when I sense an author is trying to sound smart and only sounds pompous. I have never gotten that feeling from your books. I say, fight for those words!Tina Helmuthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02210602508259810567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132757113799692312005-11-23T06:45:00.000-08:002005-11-23T06:45:00.000-08:00Hey, I say keep the words because I trust that you...Hey, I say keep the words because I trust that you're not going to overdo them so much that the readers will back off. They'll either read over them, getting the meaning of the sentence or look them up. Of course, we're not the most objective forum for the use of the words here. I knew I had come home at my first writer's conference, when I found out that other people packed books first when they travel and read dictionaries. <BR/>Have a blessed Thanksgiving and we'll see you back on the final countdown to the birth of our Lord.<BR/>God Bless,Karen Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02478946211692976227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132756826899206622005-11-23T06:40:00.000-08:002005-11-23T06:40:00.000-08:00B.C., love learning some new words in a book. But,...B.C., love learning some new words in a book. But, remember, if you say them loud enough you'll always sound precocious. :)<BR/><BR/>I get called on the occassional big word too. My favorite reader will get through a chapter and say, "Zephyr? It stands out like a sore thumb. If you mean breeze, why not say breeze?"<BR/><BR/> Well, because then I would have to use two words "gentle breeze". She says it sounds, well, precocious. Dum dadalidi dum didaliAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16151988844185350316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132751521532583122005-11-23T05:12:00.000-08:002005-11-23T05:12:00.000-08:00I love novels that use the perfect word, even if i...I love novels that use the perfect word, even if it's not a word commonly used. I get this feeling of satisfaction when I check out the definition and realize the word is exactly right.Valhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12984698615501794539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132750994686440962005-11-23T05:03:00.000-08:002005-11-23T05:03:00.000-08:00When we're children, we often learn vocabulary by ...When we're children, we often learn vocabulary by reading. Sometimes we guess the wrong definition, but at least new words keep getting impressed on our brain. Why should we stop learning as adults? Reading is the one place we might encounter a new word or two. (I suppose I learn new vocabulary on TV when I happen to watch it, but most of it won't find it's way into my writing. :-)<BR/><BR/>BTW, I think scrim is a great word--being from a tech theatre background that line makes perfect sense.<BR/><BR/>SherriAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07210918286960403676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132747617295383982005-11-23T04:06:00.000-08:002005-11-23T04:06:00.000-08:00Oh, I'm LOL at this post because my family gives m...Oh, I'm LOL at this post because my family gives me the same grief over my writing vocabulary. My dad thought I was showing off by using the word "acquiesce." Come on! Everybody knows that one... Don't they? In honor of my sister, I make it a point to get the word "cacophony" in every novel. And Brandilyn, I'll have you know I beat you to using the word "nascent" (Beneath a Southern Sky, pg. 306, published 2001, if you need proof. LOL!) and my editor said nary a peep. Hey! I'll bet you GOT that word from me?? That does it, I'm using "scrim" in my wip! ;) Great post!Deborah Raneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04252126648118644451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132741023737688692005-11-23T02:17:00.000-08:002005-11-23T02:17:00.000-08:00I thought "scrim of nascent stars" was rather neat...I thought "scrim of nascent stars" was rather neat.<BR/><BR/>Happy Thanksgiving!<BR/>CamyCamy Tanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14577747925320907186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132740491112418272005-11-23T02:08:00.000-08:002005-11-23T02:08:00.000-08:00"I'm not alone," I shouted to the quiet universe. ..."I'm not alone," I shouted to the quiet universe. And you answered back! :-)<BR/><BR/>If a person is a reader, then he/she will develop vocabulary. It seems odd to me that folks who read my stuff mention my vocab. To me it seems natural. I'm not out to impress, but as you say, sometimes an unusual word fits like hand in glove. I say, keep enough not to convolute a sentence, but to enhance the reader's joy. I LOVE finding new words that way.Mary DeMuthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06102710597183711588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10583449.post-1132739632546254982005-11-23T01:53:00.000-08:002005-11-23T01:53:00.000-08:00Hey Brandilyn, I say bring it on! LOL! I get a wor...Hey Brandilyn, I say bring it on! LOL! I get a word a day by email and make a list of words that I like and want to use. It expands my vocabulary, too. I agree. That's what dictionaries are for. Can't wait to read Violet Dawn. Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you with rest and peace.Dineen A. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08560463944362266736noreply@blogger.com