Think Big

29
Aug/080

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How do writers think of big words to put in their novel?

Hi my cousin is writing a novel and I'm trying to help her as much as I can. So please try and help. Here is the full question: How do writers think of big words to put in their novel? Is it already with them (like part of their vocabulary), or do they get it from somewhere? Because the thesaurus on Microsoft Word doesn't show words that are 'big' in the synonyms section or the thesaurus itself (in Microsoft Word). If you can help in any way please do, thanks again!

1. Read lots of books to improve one's vocabulary.
2. Reference Orwell's 'six rules for writing', below:

1. Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.
5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything barbarous.

Good writers pick a word based on how well it expresses the specific idea that the writer wants, not on how long or exotic-sounding it is. It's fine to use a thesaurus, but don't trust the thesaurus blindly, and never use words whose definitions you don't already know (that often leads to misuse).

Hope this helps.