Another trap is having “my lord” and “my lady” in very single blooming line of dialog.

Best tool there is: read it out loud.

If I can make it, I’ll try to go to your panel, but it depends on whether I’ve manager to grab lunch by then or not. But anyway, good luck!

And I’ll try to do a write-up on the panel afterward, E. :)

Are we talking about a sliding scale from “Greetings, treasured associates!” to “Oi, dat’s me leg!”, or is it more of just a simple reality versus readability issue? Some readers might not be looking for wonder or immersion.

But then, what about different audiences? The reader who is savoring the authenticity of the dialogue isn’t necessarily the same one who is glossing over the colorful euphemisms to track what’s happening between characters.

Is it a trick or technique to call attention to a particular character, or a change of scene? Or even the world of the book? Modern language in King Arthur’s court to make it understandable to a modern audience.

I mean, I think I understand what it means. The need to be clear and well-written which might come off to some as too structured and declarative, as opposed to true to speech patterns which might confuse or disinterest some readers.

But then, perhaps that’s a writer-centric view! Might there be a copy-editor expectation, an editorial expectation, and so on?

So, many different agendas from all sides, about something that can vary according to the process of reading and writing! Not that there shouldn’t be an attempt to answer the question, for even if it’s wrong we might find insight to our own formulas.

Assuming a definition, then you stir the soup by discussing examples, which might prove interesting. How much time does this panel slot have though, because maybe this is making it too complex for say, a 45 minute panel.

I hope you will post a general synopsis of the panel after the convention so those of us enjoying Bittercon will be able to benefit.

Anyway, I’ll be there listening!