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So, You're a Writer...

Business and the Book Industry

The Importance of Context

7/6/2015

Comments

 
I'm a little swamped right now--shocker, I know—so this week's post is going to be light. Everyone knows what context is, right?

Definition: "...the words that are used with a certain word or phrase and that help to explain its meaning."
"Context." Merriam-Webster.com. Accessed July 5, 2015. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/context

In terms of fiction, we can look at it like this: If you need to use a little-known or made-up word, it's important that you cushion that section with hints to help your readers discern its meaning. Simple, right?

Let's take that a step further with an example from the opposite end of the spectrum. Here, someone has replaced every instance of the verb "count" with a censor beep. No other words were changed, yet somehow, that beep informs our understanding and changes the context in which we would normally listen to a Sesame Street song...


                                        Get your mind out of the gutter. :P

If someone were to cross out your little-known or made-up word, would they arrive at the contextual conclusion you intended? Something to think about!



Question of the Week

Can you think of any books that use context well?


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© 2011, Carrie Butler.

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  • Home
  • About
    • FAQs
    • Extras
    • Free Course
  • Books
    • Quick Catalog
    • As We Know It
    • Mark of Nexus Series >
      • Strength (Nexus #1)
      • Courage (Nexus #2)
      • Honesty (Nexus #3)
      • Loyalty (Nexus #4)
    • How I Found the Write Path
  • Newsletter
  • Press
  • Reviewers
    • Street Team
  • Design
  • Blog
    • About the Blog
    • Popular Posts
    • A-Z Post Directories
    • Website Help
    • SYAW Facebook Group
    • Podcasts
  • Contact