Emily Eck's Blog, page 5

January 30, 2014

This shit's hard, yo!

So I'm working on part two of Elle and J's story. I'm writing a scene, and all I'll say is it's with Fernie and Elle. I need a word or phrase in Spanish. It won't matter that the reader may not know what it means. They will contextually understand the sentiment. And Fernie needs to say it in Spanish in order to stay true to his character.

For example: I'm cooking dinner with a friend and we are talking in all Spanish. I cut my finger. I don't tell CHINGOW. I yell FUCK. (which is what CHINGOW means, more or less) In that moment, I am going to revert to my first language. And fuck is my word of choice.

So I need something for Fernie, and I can't think of anything that is within my Spanish vocabulary. I messaged my friend, Elena, who is fully bilingual. I do a little cut and paste magic, and text her about half a page of the scene so she can see what's going on.

Yeah, we're still struggling to find that perfect word. I could ignore it, as many readers won't know Spanish. I could just put whatever Spanish phrase in for Fernie to say. But I can't let it go. I need that perfect word or phrase. It's killing me!

Deep breath, Emily. I left it SOMETHING IN SPANISH in red and moved on.

On a separate, but hopefully sexy note: I'm making Elena act out the scene with her husband to see what naturally comes out of his mouth.

Role play. Holla!
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Published on January 30, 2014 18:24 Tags: that-illusive-perfect-word

January 28, 2014

Live on Amazon

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Published on January 28, 2014 08:15