$10 Words
If you've never heard of them before, $10 words are words that are rarely used and which many (maybe even most) readers won't know the definition of. For example, say, "verdigris". Verdigris is a fine word and it describes a very particular color (namely the greenish color that copper turns when it oxidizes (i.e., rusts)). Used appropriately, it can be of great effect.
That said, it is not remotely appropriate to use "verdigris" three times in a story to describe a character's eyes especially when that character's eyes aren't verdigris. Once was effective. Twice was kind of pushing it. Three times was just irritating. Four times -- well, I'm not finished with the story yet, but if the word is used one more time, I will be. Grr.
That said, it is not remotely appropriate to use "verdigris" three times in a story to describe a character's eyes especially when that character's eyes aren't verdigris. Once was effective. Twice was kind of pushing it. Three times was just irritating. Four times -- well, I'm not finished with the story yet, but if the word is used one more time, I will be. Grr.