Interesting topic! Because yes, I have stopped reading both orignal and fanfic because of excessive descriptions or weird/annoying word choices.
From a fanfic point of view, I sometimes feel that certain word choices may 'disagree' with readers (i.e. me) because it links to characterisation (as you use the example of the giggle). Use the wrong word for a character and the ick factor is generated.
How do you avoid these pitfalls? One thought that springs to mind is - less is more. As writers we may fall into the trap of 'showing off' our vocab or ability, or just simply get carried away with long descriptions. Yet, so often, less is definitely better. Shorter, sharper, less convoluted writing. The reverse side of that coin is the minimalist approach and not even the bare bones being provided in writing. So as a writer you need to find the happy middle ground of painting enough of a picture with your words, but not overwhelming the reader.
I think it is a true skill to be able to sketch out the scene in a few sentences rather than paragraphs and paragraphs. Or let the scenery unfold around your dialogue, let the reader discover it with you.
And then... there is editing. If a word feels overused, it probably is. This is one of my checks, if I see a word occuring too often, I'll try and rethink the whole sentence rather than be repetitive. And likewise the check - would my character actually use this in dialgoue and does it fit their own style especially in POV writing.
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Date: 2011-10-15 07:02 am (UTC)From:From a fanfic point of view, I sometimes feel that certain word choices may 'disagree' with readers (i.e. me) because it links to characterisation (as you use the example of the giggle). Use the wrong word for a character and the ick factor is generated.
How do you avoid these pitfalls? One thought that springs to mind is - less is more. As writers we may fall into the trap of 'showing off' our vocab or ability, or just simply get carried away with long descriptions. Yet, so often, less is definitely better. Shorter, sharper, less convoluted writing. The reverse side of that coin is the minimalist approach and not even the bare bones being provided in writing. So as a writer you need to find the happy middle ground of painting enough of a picture with your words, but not overwhelming the reader.
I think it is a true skill to be able to sketch out the scene in a few sentences rather than paragraphs and paragraphs. Or let the scenery unfold around your dialogue, let the reader discover it with you.
And then... there is editing. If a word feels overused, it probably is. This is one of my checks, if I see a word occuring too often, I'll try and rethink the whole sentence rather than be repetitive. And likewise the check - would my character actually use this in dialgoue and does it fit their own style especially in POV writing.