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I don't think anyone is arguing for using fancy words. The right word doesn't equate to fancy. Mark Twain used the "right" words for his characters and chose them very carefully  --  he did use what some might consider "fancy" words in his writing when called for which was not generally the case in his best known works of Tom and Huck. In any case, I doubt that there are many which would call "paused" a fancy word though it is the one which jump-started this discussion. However you would describe the word (fancy or plain), if it is used in a manner such as a speaker tag where the use defies logic because it could not possibly be spoken -- you can't possibly speak a pause  by definition -- then it just might need to be given a second look.

It should be obvious that one word is not going to make or break a story -- no one is saying such -- but if the wrong words are constantly chosen, a "good story" is most likely not going to be read by a lot of people. Fighting with ill chosen words will dampen the impact of even the best of stories to the point where it just might remain unread. More to the point, there are only so many plots (seven is an often used number though there is jiggle room in both directions) to write a good story about and the way to make our "good story" stand out from the millions of versions of the same storyline is the words we choose to tell that story and the way we put them together. In our own telling, we will hopefully choose words, fancy or not, which is the most appropriate and accurate for the story being told and the characters involved in such story. Every author is certainly entitled to whatever words they so choose regardless of what any reader, editor, publisher, etc. thinks about it even if they produce an impossible scenario as does "paused" used as a speaker tag. No one can choose our words for us without our permission. I offer only my opinion which anyone is free to consider or ignore. Write on. Take care. Vern

Okay, I'm going to get a little nit-picking here as far as the subject of moving the story forward is concerned -- any good thread always seems to veer from the path somewhat. That being said, if we're going to move forward, it just as well be logical. My concern is the use of "he paused" as a speaker tag as presented above. I bring this up only because it has been used in more than one post. It seems to me rather impossible to speak a pause. You can certainly have a pause after speaking, but you can't speak that pause; therefore it is not an effective speaker tag imho. Thus a period rather than a comma would seem more appropriate in the sentence "'I have terrible news,' he paused." ("... news." He paused.) Just a thought. Take care. Vern

Apparently you have a special talent that not "anyone" has. I tried it just to check and all I get when I choose the "block" option is that I have no one blocked. There is no option to enter a name to block. I can't use search to bring up a name and it give me a "block" option; it doesn't exist in this case under this scenario. So, this is obviously a situation for Sol to correct and make available to all users should they desire. I have no intention of using it -- as far as I know, I'm blocked by only one person and count that as a blessing and they are not worth lifting a finger to return such block -- but it should still be there for all members if for any. And the beat goes on .... Take care. Vern

Awesome response

Marilyn Monroe

I agree with RK. I probably make more suggestions when I review than most, but I still most times add that it is a good job overall. There is nothing contradictory or patronizing about pointing out what might be improved within an otherwise well written piece. There is always some redeeming value to a work in progress and a spoonful of sugar.... Take care. Vern

Debt collection

Self-delusion

I Have a Dream! That we as a nation rouse our sleeping common sense and shout at the top of our lungs, "No more. No more." No more of the incompetent political juggernaut which is destroying the hope which gave birth to this great country. No more political acquiescence to the lies and hatred emanating from what should be a bright and shining light beckoning the rest of the world to follow our path to freedom and tolerance. No more threats to any who would question a would be god who dresses in self glorification demanding loyalty when none is due or given in return. No more ....

Take care. Vern

Who's the boss? Okay, all the body parts got into an argument one day about which was the most important and thus should be the boss and in charge of the rest. Of course the brain said it should be in charge because it knew everything. The eyes said they should be in charge because they could see everything. The legs said they should be in charge because they carried the load everywhere. And so it went with all the body parts until the rectum spoke up and said he should be in charge which caused laughter from all the other body parts. So the rectum simply snapped shut.

After a few days the brain got groggy, the eyes got foggy, the legs got wobbly and on down the line with all the other body parts. So, the rectum was elected boss which goes to show you don't have to be important to be boss, just an ass hole. Take care. Vern

America's Got Talent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUTtQPMuA1Y

Crazy eights