Why a Fiction Author Should Increase their Vocabulary
Authors usually have vocabulary that they use on a regular basis. For you to have a big number of words to choose from when writing, you need to learn other vocabularies. It is best to use verbs, nouns, modifiers and adjectives that best bring out the writing if you are a fiction writer. How well you put together the words and the words themselves make up for good writing. When a novel you are reading is engaging, you will easily get into it. The novel should be reread after you enjoyed reading it the first time. Examining how the work is written is the goal. How the plot and characters were developed as well as the technical aspects such as grammar are some of the things you should be mindful of. American and British authors write differently, this you should know.
It could be their punctuation, spelling and the difference in the words that are being used. For instance, among is an American word and amongst is a British word. There are standard rules that you should stick to when writing for either the American or British readers.
Expanding the base of the vocabulary fiction authors know is important and it is possible to do. Anytime when they are reading another author’s work, they can do this. A new vocabulary that you come across should be noted. This seems to be general knowledge, but most authors do not usually do this. It is a logical thing to do but is only one of the many strategies of how you can build your vocabulary. To make categories that suits your needs, get a notebook or any other means you desire. When people are talking or when there is a dialogue on the TV and when you are reading you should be keen to listen. You should take note of the verbs, nouns, modifiers and adjectives or any compound nouns being used. Chances are you will be surprised of the words you already use, the ones you didn’t know about and those you never thought of using. It is also great to keep a list of words or phrases that your characters might occasionally use. When describing the action of the eye, use a phrase like ‘her eyes surveyed the room.
Taking note of such words and phrases gives you the ability to be creative in the description of what is going on internally and externally regarding your characters. You will be able to rephrase your words and write authentic and creative vocabulary when using the lists you kept. When making the first draft use this list.