Not long ago, a conversation arose between authors about the use of unusual words, whether we should use them or simpler ones. Of course, I’ve got something to say about it.
One reason I write is my love of beautiful, obscure words, and I use them with wild abandon. I always set it within, or follow up, with an explanatory phrase or sentence. I loved an intricate sentence, one that tickled the brain’s tongue.
But I had to rethink that when I began creating audiobooks for my books. I re-wrote The GAUNT, renaming a character so that name no longer rhymed with another, and it became far less confusing. God bless my narrator for sticking with me: together we put together a far superior product.
I recognized a superior storyteller in my Scot narrator, Marina Dawn during the first audition. I have The GAUNT and My Darling Clementine already produced in her mellifluous, expressive, voice. The audiobook version of the second of the Clementine duology, Dreadful Sorry, Clementine, is in the works. Marina says many words in ways I don’t, including a name or two. I let them go because I understand her perfectly (as will the listener), although I have asked for a few words to be pronounced differently to avoid American listeners (our largest audience by far) being confused.
Listening to Marina read my words has changed the way I write. I’m no longer being understood only through eyeballs – now I’m being understood through Marina’s mouth into listeners’ ear canals as well. It’s upon me, as the author, to provide accessible language for everyone’s sake.
At the heart of it all, I’m an artist and entertainer. I provide hours of diversion, and food for thought. The work must reach across the space between author and readers to create a pathway of shared experience. With every new book, I strive to provide my most entertaining art. Which means I entertain myself while creating new work.
Oh sure, I’ll still throw in one of my favorite obscure words or pithy phrases once in a while, but as a sweet candy treat and not the meal.
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