How can words be effectively used in a short novel?

By using 3 letter words as verbs. Consider 'run'. A short story could be: 'The dog saw the cat and began to run. It ran across the field, its paws pounding on the grass. The cat, seeing the dog run, climbed up a tree to safety. Using 'run' here drives the action forward in a concise way.

Transition words like 'however', 'therefore', and 'meanwhile' can be used to show contrast, cause - and - effect, and simultaneous actions respectively. For example, 'However, the character's plan didn't go as expected' shows a change in the expected outcome. 'Therefore, he had to find a new solution' indicates a result of the previous situation. And 'Meanwhile, other events were unfolding in the town' gives the idea of things happening at the same time.

One way is to use vivid words. For example, instead of 'big', use 'gigantic' or 'enormous'. This makes the story more engaging. Another is to choose words that convey emotion well, like 'ecstatic' or 'despondent'. Also, use words that create a strong sense of place, such as 'rustic' for a countryside setting or 'bustling' for a city street.

To effectively use words for a fiction novel, it's important to vary your vocabulary. Don't keep repeating the same words over and over. Use words that create strong images in the reader's mind. For instance, if you're writing a love story, use words like "ardent", "passionate" to describe the characters' feelings. And use words that are appropriate for the time period and setting of the story. If it's a historical fiction set in the Victorian era, use words like "chaste", "decorous" etc. in the dialogue and description.

You can use them to describe the setting. For example, 'The cursed forest was filled with gloom.' This immediately sets a spooky atmosphere.

Let's say the four words are 'Foggy, Footsteps, Danger, Fear'. You could set the scene with 'The foggy night was filled with an air of danger.' Then describe the sound of 'footsteps' approaching, which builds the tension. And finally, the feeling of 'fear' that the character experiences as a result. By using these words to set the mood, create action, and describe emotions, they can be very effective in a scary story.

One way is to use them in the description. For example, you can say 'The haunted house loomed in the distance.'

Well, in a horror story, descriptive words are like the paint on the canvas. Words like 'creaking' for an old door add an instant sense of unease. 'Shadowy' figures are more menacing than just'someone'. And when you describe a place as 'decaying', it gives the idea of something that was once alive but is now falling apart, which is a very common and effective trope in horror. It helps the reader better visualize the horror and feel the emotions of the characters.

To effectively use words that tell a story, make use of dialogue. Characters talking to each other can reveal a lot about them and move the story forward. Like '“I can't believe you did that,” she hissed angrily'. Also, use sensory words. Describe how things look, smell, taste, feel, and sound. For example, 'the sweet smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making his stomach growl'.

One way is to use them sparingly. For example, instead of constantly using 'scary' words, drop in a really powerful one like 'dread' at key moments, like when the character is about to open a door that they know something bad might be behind. This makes the impact greater.