Repetition

Yes here I am with another gripe about critiques. In one of my stories I have used the word, Dwelling. You might be saying, “Old fashioned word but in the right theme it will be okay.” I was actually stupid enough to think this same way, but I have been reprimanded by the Grammar freaks and Critiques.

Sometimes I really think they get really overbearing when reading a story that they have not got the ability to [In most cases] write themselves. I have just let one of these educated people read one of my unpublished, unedited manuscripts. I think it was a big mistake because they never rubbished the book or the story, but my ability to write how they think the story should be written. To be honest it was a damn insult, but I took it on the chin.

Faberge Egg Replica of Gatchina Palace

My crime is to use the word “dwelling” three times in two sentences in the same paragraph. Then this person went on to tell me that I used the word far too many times throughout the story. This person even supplied me with alternative words, “Hut, house, hovel.” The story is based in the year 445 a.d.

Gatchina Palace Russia

The word is not important in their critique, but the way it is used is. I should have used alternative words and not use the same word three times. “WHY?” I was under the impression I was telling the story and not the person doing the critique. If I wanted to use the word house I would most probably used that three times. I believe that people that give this kind of critique should get in the real world with the rest of us. Surely it is unimportant how many times I use the word as long as the story flows.

Dressing Room for Count Orlov- Gatchina Palace Russia

Water colour by Eduard Hau 1807-1888

HUT... a small single-storey building, often made of wood that is used as a simple house or shelter, or for storage, temporary accommodation, or leisure or community activities

DWELLING... a house or other building or place in which somebody lives

HOUSE... a building made for people to live in, especially one built for a single group of occupants.

Chesma Gallery- Gatchina Palace russia

Water Colour by Eduard Hau 1807-1888 

If anyone wants to know what the difference between a hut, dwelling, house, or cottage are? Then might I suggest that the next time you are invited to dinner at the new cottage of your best friend. Do make sure and tell her that she lives in a lovely hut.

Be well Ian.