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these educated people read one of my unpublished, unedited manuscripts.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.
