The Irish writer Roddy Doyle has some good advice about using a thesaurus: “Do keep a thesaurus, but in the shed at the back of the garden or behind the fridge, somewhere that demands travel or effort.” This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Where to Keep your Thesaurus”
We were talking at the top of the show about thesauruses and reaching for words maybe beyond your reach.
And it’s been interesting for me to look at some advice from writers about whether to use thesauruses and how.
Irish novelist Roddy Doyle wrote in his Rules for Aspiring Writers this advice. He said, do keep a thesaurus, but in the shed at the back of the garden or behind the fridge, somewhere that demands travel or effort. Chances are the words that come into your head will do just fine.
Right. Maybe when you’re on the way to find the thesaurus. But I think that’s a really good principle. Just don’t let that be your default.
Yeah, there’s an interesting thing that happens with the new writer. They don’t have the confidence in their skill, and they don’t have the confidence in their vocabulary. And they do read, just like you said. And it is probably the number one thing that writers need to have beaten out of them in whatever MFA class they’re going through because it is a mistake almost always.
What do I usually say? Something along the lines of read above your level but write right below it.
Yes. Write less than you were capable of writing because that’s going to be better.
Well, take your writing advice. What do you tell your children or your students or your grandchildren when you want them to write well and to be confident about it?
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