Ok, here is something I was wondering about, writing numbers in a story.
I remember once I saw somewhere it was best to actually write the numbers, as in one, two, three etc as oppose to 1, 2, 3.
I decided to do that with my story as well, but the problem is, at some point of my story there are a lot of numbers mentioned continuously.
When I read those chapters, I always feel it is tiring to have to read the numbers again and again. To make matters worst, the numbers are in the thousands.
So I keep getting whole paragraphs saying things like
“One thousand five hundred and seventy four for John, one thousand seven hundred and thirty eight for Bob…” and so on. This happens a lot, and as I said I feel and looks wrong, and it will definitely tire the reader out.
Is it wrong to write them using numerals? Or is it just a matter of choice, preference and practicality?
I know you shouldn’t write “room 1 needs tea,” but can’t I say “John’s car hit 300 miles per hour before it crashed?”
Actually, now that I mentioned it, miles per hour, can’t I also shorten that to mp/h? or km/h if am talking about kilometres?
What do you think? Have you ever had a similar problem? What do you do?
Hi Christopher
I think if the number is spoken then you should always write the full words. And if it is in a description I think the shorthand is fine.
For example:
"Here is your key to room one." said the attendant at the desk as she handed over a very worn looking key.
We entered room 1. It was dark and there was the stale scent of urine. I knew this was a cheap hotel but this was awful.
I would be careful about miles per hour and mp/h. I personally think it is easier to read 'miles per hour' and instantly know what the writer is talking about.
This is how I would approach it anyway.