Dear Big Words …
I believe there’s value in using big words in novels for teen readers … sometimes. Their use expands teen vocabulary and shows respect for what readers already know. The issue here is, “close” third-person is darn close to being inside the young character’s head and *almost* in their direct words. A teen’s go-to vocabulary is likely going to be simpler than the vocab words you’re comfortable with as an adult wordsmith—like “ubiquitous.” Many teens know that word, but would they use it by default? Unlikely. “Assisted” versus “helped” is trickier. Again I ask, “What would a teen default to in a normal conversation?” I think “helped” would be their go-to choice. A novel filled with language like “ubiquitous” and “assisted” is likely to sound older, so I recommend a simpler, more conversational vocabulary for your close third-person YA novel. I don’t think that’s “dumbing down.” I think that’s crafting a narration that sounds convincingly youthful. (For historical fiction, you’ll weigh the era’s language, of course.) Do your “little reach,” but with reserve and in instances that won’t jar readers—you want them to stay immersed in the world you’re writing about, not questioning the words you choose to write with.
Happy writing!
The Editor
The Editor, Deborah Halverson, has been editing books for thirty years and specializes in picture books, Middle Grade/Young Adult fiction and nonfiction, and New Adult fiction. For her editorial guidance in making your manuscript ready for submission to agents and publishers or for self-publishing, click Editorial services. Learn more in her books: Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies and Writing New Adult Fiction.
As Mark Twain said, “Don’t use a five-dollar word when a fifty-cent one will do.” “Will do” means appropriate for the occasion. I once finished an opinion piece I was proud of — until I re-read it and realized I’d used language that was just showing off. Trashed it and started over.
Thanks for sharing that Twain quite, Lynne. Sounds like the first draft of your opinion piece helped you get the opinion wrangled onto the page, and the revision made it a fit for your audience.
Yes! Conversation may have bigger words, especially if a kid is a reader, or has another reason for using fancier words, but think about your own self talk… I bet you’re using simpler more direct words.
Good point about even our “grownup” self talk.
Another great response, Deborah! I always enjoy reading these.
Thanks, Carrie. Hope you’re well!
Why would anyone want to limit their audience to only teens who had an excellent education or who want to pull out of a good story to doublecheck the meaning of a word? With that approach, what do you win? Why not write in language everybody can understand? I say, aim for big ideas, not big words.
Good post, Dear Editor.
Ooh, I like that: Big ideas, not big words.
Great question, and great answer! I’ll be like Mark Twain (ha ha!) and keep this short!
Haha! That Mark Twain quote is a good’un.