In an intriguing interview with Grammar Girl, celebrated author Stephanie Perkins shared her thoughts on language that will have every word nerd buzzing. Let's dive into her fascinating perspective on words, grammar, and the craft of writing!

Favorite Words and the Magic of 'Petrichor'

While Perkins playfully kept her favorite word under wraps—citing its use in secret passwords—she enthusiastically expressed her love for the word "petrichor," which describes the delightful scent of rain on dry earth. It's no surprise that many writers, especially those inspired by nature, share in this euphoric appreciation of the great outdoors.

Words to Retire: A Wish List

Perkins was candid about her disdain for certain overused and misused phrases. She called for a retirement of trendy expressions such as "adulting," "nothing burger," and "dumpster fire." Her opinions extend to the tech world as well, notably taking issue with the descriptor "disruptive." Perkins passionately made her feelings known, especially when it comes to sports metaphors popping up in professional discussions. “Can we just find different ways to express ourselves?” she quipped.

Fumbling with 'Receive' and 'Receipt'

We all have those words that trip us up, and for Perkins, it's "receive" and "receipt." She humorously admitted to continue misspelling these words, especially that tricky combination of 'i' before 'e.'

Longing for New Words? You've Got It!

As a writer of horror, Perkins found the challenge of describing darkness in her novel *The Woods Are Always Watching* a daunting task. She expressed a desire for new synonyms to enrich her writing. If only the dictionary could keep pace with the creativity of authors like her!

A Strong Advocate for the Oxford Comma

When it comes to grammar, Perkins stands firmly behind the Oxford comma. This small punctuation mark plays a significant role in clear communication, and she’s a staunch advocate for its necessity in writing.

The Power of Grammar in Character Development

Perkins shared her belief that grammar significantly shapes character development and voice in literature. Every word choice influences how readers perceive the narrative, emphasizing that precision in language matters immensely to storytellers.

A Passage of Profound Jealousy

One of Perkins' all-time favorite literary quotes comes from M.T. Anderson’s *The Game of Sunken Places,* which begins with enchanting descriptions that still resonate with her. She revealed how a particular simile—“like a riverboat captain in love”—made her green with envy, embodying the kind of cleverness that every writer strives for.

Battling the Weakness of Overused Words

In a candid reflection on her writing process, Perkins acknowledged her struggle with the word "actually." After a recent draft, she found herself with an overwhelming number of instances of the word, prompting her to dedicate an entire afternoon to trimming down excess usage. Her proactive approach to refining her language proves that even established authors constantly work on their craft.

In a world where language evolves faster than ever, Perkins’ insights remind us of the importance of word choice, grammar, and innovation in storytelling. So, fellow writers, let’s keep those quirky words coming, and celebrate the beautiful mess that is the English language!