To Write or Not to Write (Colloquialisms)? by Wendy H. Jones

At the time of writing it is 36 hours since my Flu Vaccination. Note, I didn't say Flu Jab, as we would say locally, as I'm thinking of my wider audience. That is something I have to think about a lot in my books, as I want to give a flavour of Scotland, without overwhelming the reader. I will get to that in a minute as I want to discuss something else first. 

This tiny scratch in my arm, which will help me ward of the flu over the winter, has made me feel a bit off colour today. Not full blown ill but definitely not feeling my usual perky self. Just ill enough that I am asking myself the question - To Write or Not to Write? This has got me thinking about whether I should always power on through or whether, sometimes, a break is needed. I have a deadline, NaNoWrimo is coming around fast. Actually, it starts the day this blog comes out and I should also be preparing for that. The 1st November is also the day where I start the exhilarating, chaotic period that is the run up to Christmas. I have book signings almost every day between now and the 22nd December and I need to make sure I have enough stock and that my diary is up to date and I don't miss anything. Therefore days off can be exasperating. In the end I decided that I would compromise. I am writing this blog and have done a small amount on my manuscript. Now, I am off to relax and read a book. This, I believe, can be classed as research but will still give my brain, and my body, time to recover. After all, God told us to take a day off, so he realised how important that was to us. 

Now, on to those colloquialisms. What are your thoughts on whether they should be used or not? My thoughts run to the use them sparingly variety. Enough to give the reader an idea they are in another country, region or even town but not so many that the average reader needs a translator to read the book. I know there are those who would disagree with me. There are some excellent books where Scottish words are scattered liberally throughout the narrative - Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon is an excellent example. Although I know what the words mean, I think most readers would pick it up from the way the book is written, the words around them help to make sense of the story without pulling the reader out. 

So, I am interested, what are your thoughts on taking time off, or on using colloquialisms? 

My final word today involves a small brag. My next book in the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries will be released on the 14th October. I'm sure you will agree the cover is stunning. 

        

About the Author

Wendy H. Jones is the award winning author of the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries, Cass Claymore Investigates, The Fergus and Flora Mysteries and the Bertie the Buffalo Picture Book. She is also the President of the Scottish Association of Writers and the Webmaster for the Association of Christian Writers.