Jan
21st
2015
Quick Survey - Accents - Please Comment · 1:53am Jan 21st, 2015
Hi, guys!
When I started writing Sensation, Braeburn's accent was a little more pronounced in the writing. The biggest change was how he referred to himself - he used to say "Ah'm Braeburn!" but I've changed it to the more normal "I'm Braeburn!" My hope is that you can read it in his voice in your head, but please let me know what you think:
Do you prefer "I" or "Ah" for when Braeburn (or another Apple) refer to themselves?
Thanks!
Well I don't mind how braeburn or other apple pony talk in my opinion.
Ah
I don't have a particular preference. I can enjoy the dialogue using both forms. I can appreciate the stylistic grammar of using "Ah'm" but I can also use my imagination and read in character when I just see "I'm." As far as I'm concerned, you should use whichever method you feel produces a better story. If you find that you truly don't think it does make it better one way or the other, then I'd go with whichever is easiest for you.
2736711 I agree.
I tend to prefer 'i'm', but having things spelled as they would be pronounced by the characters helps with the transition in dialogue.
Words spelled out have no real pronunciation. Its only when we say them, so I see no reason to be concerned over it.
I prefer Ah. It helps readers better connect to the character
Well, I didn't notice you'd switched until I went back and checked just now, so I don't think it makes that much difference.
Otherwise, I pretty much agree with what 2736711 said.
Both have always worked well enough for me. I have seen instances in other fanfics where the accents became so heavy, and the meaning of words got so difficult to discern, that it pulled me out of the immersion. I or Ah has never been an issue. I've seen multiple opinions for both sides of the argument. I is likely a bit more professional. A lot of fanfics revolving around Apple family members seem to prefer using Ah. In the end i think it comes down to what you feel most appropriate within the context of your story. And perhaps ask yourself if without using ah, and for some odd reason a reader doesn't know Braeburn outside of this story, it is still clear what kind of accent he has. I like to think so, but then again, I know their voices.
Ah
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Thanks for the responses, everyone! The results are in:
"I" : 1
"Ah": 3
No opinion/M-Hard is Smartest Pony: 5
M-Hard takes it! I think that "I" is a little easier for me, since I tend to miss changing them to Ah's every once in a while, but it's good to know that people appreciate the accent. With these responses, I'm strongly considering switching it back to Ah just for stylistic reasons. I agree with Wireframe about professionalism, but I also think "Ah" reads more true to the character, too. It might just come down to a matter of effort vs. payoff.
...so if anyone wants to do some surgery on this story, let me know.
Also, since you responded, you get to be the first to know
: new chapter of Sensation early next week, after I publish my story for the EQD More Most Dangerous Game contest. Expect a 15k-ish story coming out in the next ... two days! oh god oh god oh god
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Where's the scalpel?!