There is a profound difference in how we write/speak with our friends and how we should write a story. They are not the same. Writing a story in text/chat speak to me makes the author look lazy and unintelligent. It instantly kills my interest in the story.
Now that's not to say you shouldn't use it. It's appropriate if showing two characters texting/emailing one another over the phone or computer. However, to write a story and have a line like"
He scratched his head. Idk, hbu? Lol.
What the actual fuck? You lazy bastard.
Let's not mention there are people who are not native English speakers and to whom chat/text speak may elude them. Or older readers who don't use these shortened word forms. (It took me a month to realize what the acronym 'HAM' meant 🙄)
Write the words out. If you're too lazy to do that, you shouldn't bother writing.
YOU ARE READING
How to Irk a Reader as a Writer
HumorJust random thoughts about things that writers do that irk me as a reader. Fueled by caffeine, lack of sleep, or reaction to something I've read. Take none of this serious! Be offended at your own risk.
