SCBWI's Blueboard - A Message & Chat Board
Writer's Room => Picture Books (PB) => Topic started by: Denise M. Cassano on November 07, 2016, 09:45 AM
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What do you think of using the word 'mustn't in a PB? Sounds like a silly question, but it's one of those words that looks weird on the page.
For example:
They’ll tell you to give up. But you mustn’t!
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I agree it does look a little funny. What about "But don't!"
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yes- I have 'don't' a few lines later and I can't really change that one. I don't want repetitive words. That's why I chose mustn't.
It's still weird.
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Actually repeating or using the same word in a PB is a good thing instead of something to look down upon.
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Why not just go with 'must not'? Or even "They'll tell you to give up. But don't do it!" or even "you can't!"
I agree, mustn't looks weird and wouldn't be my word of choice either.
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Mustn't works for me if it's in the right context.
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I think "mustn't" is fine if it fits the voice you're going for.
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Looks fine to me.
Okay, here's a weird thing. I was writing a book about construction and after a while the word "building" started to look strange to me. I kept pronouncing it boo-ilding. What a weird word. So the fact that something looks weird might be a completely normal phenomenon :grin3
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Interesting V. I'll have to remember that.
Still isn't a favorite word choice of mine, but you guys make a good point on it relying voice and context.
And Diana! Is that a new Grimelda cover as your avatar? YAY!!
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It is, Sharon! Hee hee. :D Coming out next July! :sweeping
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Vijaya, that's so true! Sometimes it looks weird when you look at it too long.
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It is, Sharon! Hee hee. :D Coming out next July! :sweeping
:yay Can't wait to add that one to my collection! It looks fantastic! :like
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Thanks, Sharon! :thanx
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Mustn't works for me if it's in the right context.
:like I happen to love mustn't.
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I think mustn't has great voice, but I can't say if it's the right voice for your character/narrator. All words are good words; it's in how we use them.