Writer Question: Do you try to avoid the word "twilight" when writing?

Ahahaha! It was such a beautiful word, too. Have you heard of 'gloaming hour'? Means the same thing - if you ever want a substitute for twilight. (Your readers are going to damn you for making them reach for the dictionary though)

I don't think it's silly to feel like that. Twilight is an icon whether you like it or not. When you write characters with the last name 'Potter' people aren't going to shut off their mental judgement just for you :P...so I get your 'self-conscious' feeling completely - and it isn't just with words, it's with tropes, character-types, hair color...sometimes I feel like I'll be in someone else's shadow if I use something. (Until I manage to immerse my readers in such a way that I can overpower the long standing connotations in their mind with my own awesome writing. I've still got a while to go though.)

While I don't think the books have totally ruined the word itself, I do try to always try to keep in mind all connotations to the words that I use - and then only use them when I want the readers to see these connotations. It's a low-level easter egg. :) Here's a lame example: You know how Edward sparkles in the light? I wanted to parody an Edward/Bella scene very subtly in my book. As a result, one of my characters was 'almost sparkling in the lamplight' during the scene where he comes out as a Faerie. You'd be blind not to pick that up and have a quick little giggle. (Fun! I've always wanted to be remembered as the writer who gave people mini giggles...)

Although I am quite curious - what sort of story are you writing? Why does it involve you having to go out of your way to avoid 'twilight'?

Happy writing~

xxChae

I do notice the word more in books etc because of the series, but I don't avoid it. If the word twilight is needed, I'll use it. But I never really liked the word anyway, and I haven't used it in a long time.

Not that I'm aware of. Although that said, I've never had the need to use the word twilight in my writing. I doubt I'd avoid it, though, the same way I wouldn't avoid naming a character Harry because of Harry Potter.

If the word fits, I use it. No point in pussy-footing around to find something different when it does the job well enough.

I often attempt to no longer evade puzzling scenes. If i'm having difficulty writing some thing, I take a smash and proceed writing it later. I agree, the story isn't exciting if the character does not do some thing. The scenes I often have the main difficulty with are scuffling with scenes, wherein the MC is the two scuffling with somebody or gazing others combat, using fact i do no longer rather comprehend what fights are like, so I even have worry describing them realistically.

No, because that's silly, but I know what you mean. My last character was called Zoey and all I could think about was Zoey from the House of Night series. The name I chose randomly and because I liked it (not because it matches the characters personality or anything), but it was still weird because I couldn't get Zoey Redbird out of my head every time I wrote the word "Zoey," which was more times than in first person since I was writing in third. I let myself down because that was the only time I had to ditch a name for another, since that name had so many connotations for me. I still love the name though and is used for a not-so-important character. So there you go, my dirty little secret, lol.

no. I don't use it a great deal, but I do use it. ( it's a plot point that something happens after the sun is down but when the sky's still light.) the word's been around for years, and I have a right to use it for it's meaning. i hate twil*ght ( the so called book) as much as the next girl, but the word's still good.

when I think of Twilight, I think of twilight Sparkle, from My little pony. any thoughts of that vampire trash is instantly blocked out by the my little pony theme song. :)

Yes, I avoid the word at all costs. -sarcasm-

I don't care if some words are from books/movies, if it fits and I like it then I use it - easy as that. Like the other guy said, I don't 'pussy-foot' around. I don't mind the word twilight but I don't think I've ever used it before; I haven't had the need to use it.

No, if that is the time of day then I write it. I don't hate the books though. Plus, the Twilight fad is just about over. Dead when The Hunger Games comes out next year.

Nope.

I feel funny about having characters called 'Trackers' in one story and using 'Marked' (meaning 'scarred' in a certain way in the context) in another due to House of Night.

Which, incidentally, is the most hilarious writer-self-esteem boost to read ever.

@Katniss: I changed a character's physical appearance after reading HON. Character in question had blue tattoos around her eyes and forehead because she liked to stand out, and the colour means something in their culture.

After reading HON, I scrapped that. And then I cried a little. And then I realized Marked has over 20 boob references in and laughed until I gave myself a headache.

How those books got published, no one will never know. They're a great read for when you're feeling down about your writing, though XD

I used to think it was a nice word, but like you, ever since the stupid books and films came out i have been avoiding it like the plague.

I use words like dusk and sunset too now >.<

stupid vampires restricting my vocabulary!!!!