When Should Readers Google New Words? Balancing Complexity and Clarity in Writing

As indie authors, we strive to create engaging and memorable stories. Part of that craft involves choosing the right words to convey our ideas, evoke emotions, and immerse our readers in our worlds. However, there's a fine line between enriching our prose with well-chosen, "beautiful" words and overwhelming our readers with unnecessary complexity. This blog post explores reader behaviors, expectations, and experiences regarding difficult word usage. We'll delve into when readers are willing to Google new terms and when they might find such vocabulary choices frustrating.

Understanding Reader Expectations

Readers come to our stories with a desire to be entertained, moved, and occasionally educated. However, their primary goal is to enjoy a seamless reading experience. When readers encounter an unfamiliar word, their reaction can vary depending on the context:

Some of genres are expected to have more difficult words in them, for example: high fantasy or historical fiction. Other genres is expected to be less complex, such as contemporary or YA stories.

Curiosity vs. Frustration:

Curiosity: Readers are often willing to Google new terms if they feel that learning the word will enhance their understanding of the story. For example, discovering the term "rainbow child" in a fantasy book can be intriguing and rewarding.

Frustration: Conversely, readers may become frustrated if they encounter obscure words that disrupt the flow of the narrative, especially during action-packed scenes where simplicity is key.

Context and Clarity:

Contextual Clues: Providing enough context can help readers infer the meaning of a new word without having to look it up. If the word is idiomatic or a widely used public term, contextual clues can make the learning process smooth and enjoyable.

Lack of Clarity: Using overly complex words in place of simpler ones, especially when clarity is crucial, can alienate readers. This is particularly true in high-tension scenes where quick comprehension is essential.

Respecting Both Authors and Readers

To foster a positive relationship between authors and readers, it's important for both parties to respect each other's roles in the storytelling process.

Authors' Responsibility:

Purposeful Word Choice: Authors should use difficult words purposefully. If a term is idiomatic or a new public term, it can add depth to the story. However, avoid using complex words merely to showcase your vocabulary.

Balancing Complexity and Simplicity: Strive for a balance between rich language and accessibility. Your goal is to enhance the reader's experience, not to outsmart them.

Readers' Responsibility:

Openness to Learning: Readers should be open to encountering and learning new terms. Reading is not only a source of entertainment but also a way to expand one's knowledge and mindset.

Patience and Perspective: Understand that authors sometimes use complex words to add authenticity or depth to their narrative. Approach these moments with curiosity rather than frustration.

The Right Time for Difficult Words

To help clarify when it's appropriate to use difficult words, consider these guidelines:

New and Relevant Terms: If a word introduces a new concept or term relevant to the story (e.g., "rainbow child"), it's a valuable addition.

Enhancing Atmosphere: In descriptive passages, rich vocabulary can enhance the atmosphere and help paint a vivid picture. They can be used to avoid repeating the same word too often.

Dialogue and Characterization: Complex words can be used in dialogue to reflect a character's background, education, or personality.

Conclusion

The key to effective word choice lies in striking a balance between enriching the narrative and maintaining clarity. As authors, we must be mindful of our readers' experience, using difficult words thoughtfully and purposefully. As readers, we should embrace the opportunity to learn new terms and broaden our understanding.

Let's create stories that respect and engage both the writer and the reader, fostering a collaborative journey of discovery and enjoyment.