Monday, September 5, 2011

Guest post -- Pixie's Pet Words

Today I'm honored to have Pixie from The Bookaholic paying us a visit to talk about some of her own Pet Words. Welcome Pixie!

I must first admit that I have a bit of a problem. I adore adjectives. I mean… I’m seriously addicted to the use of adjectives in my writing. I understand this can sometimes be a bad thing. Editors may pull out their hair if you overuse them (coining the phrase that at times it’s best to “keep it simple”), but nonetheless, I still love my adjectives. They can turn an ordinary scene into an extraordinary one when used properly. They can add additional interest to conversations and communications among characters, or add more vivid detail to appearances so a reader can visualize more.

But remember, there can always be too much of a good thing. Such words should always be used wisely. Try to avoid the more commonly-used as less as possible. Instead, use them with creativity for a more effective way to pull in your readers.

So, do you want to know what some of my favorite adjectives are? Here’s just a few:

Screeching- I like this word because it can describe a few different things. Screeching voice, screeching bird, screeching tires, etc. You get the idea. When I can use a word for a variety of descriptions, it’s one that sticks in my book.

Tiny- Tiny is probably a more common one actually, but I like it because it’s another one of those that can describe a number of things. Besides, I’m biased. I’m tiny, too.

Woozy- I don’t know why, but I’ve just always liked the way this word sounds. Nothing particular about it other than that! Haha!

There’s a small list of my favorites. The descriptions and characters you can create from the long list are just amazing and creative. In general, my pet words are adjectives. I love them!

Thank you so much Laura, for having me on your blog, and allowing me to share my Pet Words! It’s been fun!



5 comments:

Elisa DeLany said...

Adjectives are icing on my writing cake. I love combining a noun and an adjective that you normally wouldn't see together into some new phrase to describe something.

Woozy is such a funny word. It's fun to say over and over again. (Am weird.)

Aguilar Elliot said...

The tiny man was woozy after hearing piercing screeching sounds.

yay for adjectives!

Anachronist said...

A lovely post, Pixie! Adjectives can be addictive and woozy is simply so nice...screeching too, when I come to think about it!

Shanan, The Book Addict said...

I love adjectives too! But I agree that too much of a good thing can be bad. I have read some books/stories where over describing distracted from rather than enhancing the story. As with many things--moderation and balance is key. (IMHO)

Shanan
http://thebookaddictnet.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Thank you! Glad you all enjoyed the post. Sorry I'm just now getting back. It's been crazy in Texas with all the fires. o.O

@Shanan, I agree. I've read some as well where it really hurt the piece rather than helped because it was TOO much.

Great comments everyone! ^^ I love "woozy", but I don't like the feeling of being woozy. :P

Have a great week ahead!

<3
Pixie
http://the-bookaholic.blogspot.com