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Monday, September 27, 2010

Project Dictionary

I had an epiphany last night. Don't be scared.

So, I have a problem. A problem I'm a wee bit embarrassed to admit. Bear with me.

*deep breath*

Sometimes, when I'm reading other people's blogs and/or press releases and/or emails and/or news stories, I come across writing terms that make me go "WTFTDTM (What The French Toast Does That Mean)??"

Especially those various deal terms. You know: "significant deal," "good deal," "makes-you-want-to-slam-your-head-into-your-computer-and-give-up-writing-because-they-are-so-much-more-awesome-than-you deal." I come across those terms, and they make me go, "Gee, I wish there was an online dictionary of random and various YA writing terms to which I could refer in these embarrassing situations."

Which in turn made me go, "Gee, that would be kind of fun to put together."

So now I'm going, "Hey, YA writing community, wanna help?"

(If there is already a dictionary like this out there, I am very sorry and did not intentionally swipe your idea. Let me know and I'll more than happily hit you up with some linky-love.)

I've started a list of all the terms I have trouble with/can think of off the top of my head, but I know I'm missing some. I'm only one part of the YA publishing world, and a very small part of the publishing world at that. So to all of you multifaceted members of the YA world, I beseech you:

What writing terms do you know/would like definitions too/think would be useful in a YA Writing Term Dictionary?

The link for said (in progress) dictionary will pop up in my navigation bar in 5...4...3...2...

7 comments:

Kelsey (Dominique) Ridge said...

Nothing comes to mind, but I'd be very interesting in seeing this when it comes to light.

Adam Heine said...

How about 'alpha' and 'beta'. I've also seen 'CP' for critique partner.

Kathryn Rose said...

Def query and synopsis. I had no idea what those referred to before I researched it.

FanTASTic idea, btw!

Also, btw.

Samantha Vérant said...

Nervous breakdown? Going postal? Cyber Stalking? Wait. You said YA terms. maybe WIP?

Dara said...

I'm not sure of any terms yet. Not technically a YA writer, although I do read mainly YA writer/author blogs. And I'm thinking my NaNo project *might* be YA.

If I think of any I will give you some ideas :)

Renee Collins said...

Fab idea!

Hmm, I'll have to think of some and come back to you.

K. M. Walton said...

Hey, your dictionary is cool. And now I know what Wippets and Major Deals are. Of those two terms...Major Deal is my favorite.