We're all having short posts this week, but thanks readers for understanding! Yay for Erynn's yard work, and congrats to BJ for her upcoming arrival! I can't wait! (I can say that, because my three year old sleeps through the night ::wink::)
Today I'm doing a shortie because I'm...
A. at work at my part time job right now and didn't have time yesterday to schedule a post
and more significantly,
B. Today is my daughter's first day of preschool andI'm still crying into my white chocolate mocha. It's ridiculous, you'd think I just dropped her off at college!! She didn't even cry at all. I'm officially "THAT" mom. Sigh.
Refill, anyone?
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Aww, poor Betsy! Alas, there comes a time in most every mother's life...
ReplyDeleteI have a question for the Scribble Chicks (because you girls are such awesome writers):
I am writing a novel (www.BeastandBeauty.com) that takes place in a "medieval" fantasy world and I can't decide how to write the dialog. Should I make it archaic and flowery, or more palatable to the modern ear? I don't want to sound pedantic, but am afraid that if the words coming out of my characters' mouths are too modern, it will seem anachronistic.
Can you help?
Hi Abby! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough one. The same rule sort of applies here as to dialect, such as someone who speaks with a strong southern accent, or any accent, etc. You don't want the dialect to be so strong and in every sentence so the reader gets frustrated and puts the book down. The way experts advise handling that is to introduce that character with a slightly strong first sentence. Then the next scene, tone it down to maybe two or three dialect words. Then from then on, only one per scene or so. Enough to remind the reader of their accent so they can "hear it" without bombarding them with it to the point of having to wade through dialogue.
Your question is similiar though not identical. Could the same rule somehow apply to your situation? Maybe start a little archaic and flowery, and immeidately tone it down and keep it subtle as the novel progresses? If you set it up the way you want it, then you can trust your reader to continue to "hear it" and understand as they go.
This is probably going to be a trial and error type of situation. I'd recommend trying what I suggested and having a reader or friend give you their honest opinion as to how it flows.
Also, think about what YOU like - because you're a reader too. When you read a medieval fantasy novel, do you like reading poetic dialogue that might take you longer to comprehend but is true to the times? Or would you rather get on with the story?
Awww, Betsy! That's rough. Hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Betsy! That's some wonderful advice that I'll try my best to implement.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes,
Abigail