Shouty personApr 26, 2022

Help a writer out. I need a word or short phrase that means not very talkative … without implying unfriendliness. Taciturn has the right denotation but the connotation is a grumpy one.

Context… I wrote: 'With her talking dog and an infuriatingly literal AI by her side, Lem must'…

My editor says 'talking dog' makes it sound like a kids' story.

The dog in question doesn't say much. And she's still very much just a dog. And a very good girl.

Suggestions? Ideas?

#WritingCommunity #AmEditing

Show threadFish Id Wardrobe
@clacksee First thoughts: find another editor. "Talking dog" is not, admittedly, a common trope in SF and fantasy any more. But it sounds as if they aren't familiar with genre fiction. Do they think Terry Pratchett, for example, is for children? Gaspode certainly turns up in four or five books.
Second thoughts: instead of "talking" just switch the description. "World-wise". "Uplifted"? "Loyal"? "Brown"??
Apr 26, 2022 at 3:23pmTusky
Show threadShouty personApr 26, 2022
@fishidwardrobe Nah, he's right in this case. It is a common enough trope but it doesn't convey the right vibe for Spock. She has a translator that allows her to communicate – but she's still very much a dog (not uplifted). The things she does say are exactly what a real dog would say if they could.
Show threadFish Id WardrobeApr 26, 2022
@clacksee That sounds brilliant.
Show threadShouty personApr 26, 2022
@fishidwardrobe Mainly she says ‘Feed Spock?’ and ‘Rub cheeks.’ Occasionally ‘Spock protect.’ And in a few occasions, ‘Eat tasty kitty.’