Page 35 - Voices-2022.05
P. 35
to use (paraphrased advice from
Stephen King’s On Writing.)
There are obviously exceptions,
and it’s important to know when to
use them. If the seven Dwarfs are
all thinking at the same time, and
you’re describing their thoughts
sequentially, it’s probably a good
have that much, idea to “mix it up” a little bit. Your reader won’t
or more, that you have want to read “thinking” in seven sequential
created as just that - backstory paragraphs, or more if they think about more
- in order to understand how than one thing each. In this example (the dwarfs)
the character will speak, act, and respond to Doc might cogitate, and Dopey may wonder;
others and to circumstances. and so forth. Keep it “regular” in keeping with
If you want to toss in a hint about their your characters, too.
broken home, their lost love, or their annoying I have more to share, but let’s pause here and
uncle, the hint is enough. It might even make take on a challenge. Share with me, or someone
them more compelling, particularly to a reader in your Club, one of these secrets. Your own
who shares a similar connection in their own experience in using one of them, or a time when
past. you wish you had known, perhaps. If you share
something relating to one of these secrets with
Secret #3: Keep it regular me, send a note to me at (lupusgnome@hotmail.
There are so many ways to address or consider com). We’re talking “secrets” here, so I won’t share
this secret. Let me focus on word choices. what you send (unless you want me to)..
If your main character is thinking, don’t More tips are coming, and some words about
say they’re “cogitating” or “pondering.” Use the wide variety of serial fiction publishing
simple words more often than those from the options. I look forward to hearing from you.
thesaurus. Usually, the first word you think of Just Write!
(or not ponder or cogitate about) is the best one
VOICES! | MAY 2022 35
