Title is somewhat misleading. I was searching for a pun hidden somewhere within, but that's the best I could do off the cuff.
Anyway, another question for the membership that comes from critique group responses. If you read this:
Would you think a "bit" is:
1. A small piece
2. The sharpened edge of an axe.
3. Other
The second definition is technically correct. However, the first also makes sense in context, but it is bland and vague if understood by the reader in that way. I don't want readers to need a proficiency with axe terminology to comprehend the narrative as intended. At the same time though, I don't want to write down to my audience. As they say, you should write to the top 5-10% of readers.
It has occured to me that regular fantasy readers may understand this term where readers outside of the genre may not. This particular critique group covers all genres and only has one dedicated reader of fantasy & SciFi.
Thoughts?
Anyway, another question for the membership that comes from critique group responses. If you read this:
The arrow sliced through the air over her right shoulder, swallowed by the mist behind. Smirk still scrawled across her face, she straightened and slid two hatchets from the small of her back, forward on her belt. Her thumbs unhooked leather loops holding them in place.
Solid metal all the way through, worn, brown leather wrapped the handles and trailed beaded lanyards. Heads gleamed along sharpened bits and wicked, rearward spikes.
Would you think a "bit" is:
1. A small piece
2. The sharpened edge of an axe.
3. Other
The second definition is technically correct. However, the first also makes sense in context, but it is bland and vague if understood by the reader in that way. I don't want readers to need a proficiency with axe terminology to comprehend the narrative as intended. At the same time though, I don't want to write down to my audience. As they say, you should write to the top 5-10% of readers.
It has occured to me that regular fantasy readers may understand this term where readers outside of the genre may not. This particular critique group covers all genres and only has one dedicated reader of fantasy & SciFi.
Thoughts?
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