Sometimes you will see the word your’s written as the possessive form of the word your. It is incorrect.
According to http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com:
The idea that yours needs an apostrophe comes out of the fact that on virtually every other word, ‘s indicates possession, so English speakers sometimes think yours should be spelled your’s. However, this is always incorrect – yours is the only correct spelling.
In science fiction and fantasy, there is normally a cornerstone culture, central to the story, that is malevolent. It is oppressive of its citizenry, setting the stage for the rise of a hero, an avenger of the people.
There are two words to describe such a culture:
Both words define a world that is the opposite of Utopia, or paradise: a world of deprivation, horror and exploitation. Usually the people are enslaved, if not physically, then through economics or some psychological method. Or earth changes, like global coastal events caused by meteor strikes or the aftermath of world wars, have disrupted normal society and destroyed convenience systems, such as the electrical grid or banking. Whatever the cause, the new world order is a system that grinds those under its bonds to grist.
Now that your imagination is twisting, turning, leaping and bounding with images, get writing!
Recently, one of the local writers group members read one of my sudden fiction pieces. He highlighted the word “obscure” and suggested I use the word “hide” in its place. He had reasons for his suggested word change.
For one thing, he felt the word was too elevated for the genre. For another, he felt many readers wouldn’t know the word. It wasn’t a conversational word, he said.
I argued to keep the word. I felt the meaning of the word obscure more aptly described what was happening in the story. To “hide” something implies intent. One can “obscure” something without intending to hide it. In the story, a face is obscured, not purposefully hidden.
His comments about usage raised points to consider.
Is there language that is suitable or unsuitable for a specific genre? Sudden fiction may be considered “low brow” compared to the novel, or even the 3,000 word short story. Obviously, that opinion is subject to debate.
How does one balance vocabulary usage with one’s readership?
Some argue that today’s society needs the stimulation of mental challenge. Others say that today’s society doesn’t have time to stop and look up words every few minutes when reading.
As a writer, I thanked my friend for his input. His remarks were helpful.
I haven’t settled on an answer to the questions his remarks generated. I’d love to hear what you think about using big words in short, short stories.
Normally, I don’t share personal e-mails. However, this message from a member of the local writers group warrants sharing.
Dear All,
Here is the definition: of “paraprosdokian”:
“A figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected;frequently used in a humorous situation.”
“Where there’s a will, I want to be in it,” is an example of a paraprosdokian. My version: Where there’s a will, there’s someone to contest it.”
Ok, so now enjoy!
1. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not beating everyone over the head with that fact.
2. Sunflower oil is made from sunflowers. Peanut oil is made from peanuts. Baby oil is…
Fay Moore: I Want To Be a Writer 