Patricia’s answer to “Ms. Rice, I'm just razing to ask this question of writers of historical stories so please do not fe…” > Likes and Comments
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You're welcome, and you're obviously not the "normal" reader who is seldom interested in looking up a word they don't recognize!
I'm always looking up the etymology of words and phrases used in historical romances. Sometimes I'm surprised and find out that they really were used during that time -- but -- most often I find that they weren't even words (or phrases) at that time.
and sometimes, the "right" historical word has a different meaning in modern times and if you don't know it, you're going to stumble over it. So either the characters have to keep explaining (which they can't, because they don't know the modern usage) or the author notes are the place to be!
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You're welcome, and you're obviously not the "normal" reader who is seldom interested in looking up a word they don't recognize!
I'm always looking up the etymology of words and phrases used in historical romances. Sometimes I'm surprised and find out that they really were used during that time -- but -- most often I find that they weren't even words (or phrases) at that time.
and sometimes, the "right" historical word has a different meaning in modern times and if you don't know it, you're going to stumble over it. So either the characters have to keep explaining (which they can't, because they don't know the modern usage) or the author notes are the place to be!
Though personally,when reading, I'd take accuracy (of relevant usage) over clarity. I can always do a minor look-up/research thereby learning something more.
Thanks very much. I do appreciate you taking the time to respond.