of ten dollar words when ten cent ones will do

by Beaton M
25th February 2015

Ok, I just stumbled upon writing advice in a book I was reading. A publisher was advising a writer to dial it done notch saying "Why use a ten dollar word when a ten cent one will do?"

That had me thinking that might apply to me I tend to drift to ten dollar words, using words that make it seem like I know darn well what I am writing about...or does it depend who you are writing for ?

and well I couldnt just take advice from a fictional character even if in a somewhat bestseller novel...

Replies

someone i find hilarious, gave me the most dangerous yet best advice, "write what you want to write about, in a way you wish to write...."

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Beaton
M
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Beaton M
26/02/2015

Stephen King in 'On Writing' says something similar.

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Sam
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Sam Palmer
26/02/2015

I love the sixth rule, if writing was Animal Farm then mine style more like a zoo, no not even that, wild and untamed

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Beaton
M
270 points
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Beaton M
26/02/2015