(09-15-2017, 10:44 PM)Arashin Kujqai Wrote: I wish it was as simple as just looking at a thesaurus every so often to replace words as I type too. That always feels like a temporary fix or a quick fix rather than something that would actually help me improve. Kinda like sneaking a peek at a neighbor's test answers in school; just writing what they have because it'll be correct rather than understanding it and implementing the answers through your own intuition and comprehension.
I actually do use a thesaurus (well, Thesaurus.com) quite often when writing up RP or stories. It's surprisingly helpful, especially when you kind of have a word in mind, but it doesn't quite fit exactly. Using a thesaurus is more of being able to find a better word for the situation, rather than a horizontal progression of alternate words.
I'll echo the sentiment of improvement through exposure. Read, read, and read even more. One tip to keep in mind is to notice how something is said, rather than merely what is said. What words can you cut out to make the sentence tighter? What words can you add in to provide more colour?
You can use in-game dialogue as your examples as well. Merlwyb, Eynzahr, and Baderon are all Lominsans, but they speak in very different styles. In fact, I'd recommend rewatching cutscenes and making note of how the characters speak. Why was this sentenced phrased as such? Why use this word, instead of another?
Doing so might be a bit too much like homework, though. The suggestion to just read a lot is more relaxing.
