So I am writing a novel...

[cassy_g]

And I am having a hard time replacing two words that will be reused frequently within the text. The reason for replacing them is that the words in the context I wish to use them have in essence been "coined" by another author. Yes, I know I don't have to replace them, but I don't want my story to seem to have merit because the language is familiar to another author's.

So here are the words:

citizen: in this case, it means any person that is at least on the surface a law-abiding, on the books, tax payer

freak: meaning any person that has or would commit a violent criminal sin against another person, or creature, someone that is inherently, intrinsically, evil

I would appreciate any suggestions that could be offered to me. In the meantime, I will just keep writing and using those and use my favorite Word feature "replace all".

I have written only about 20,000 words in the last two days, but I am remaining optimistic about it, despite the verbage problems. And since I am asking for help, I only think it fair I give you an excert from the book.

Hope you enjoy it.

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A dark blue Lincoln stretch sedan with tinted windows circled the block for the forth time in an hour. It was a beautiful machine, smooth and sleek, like a shark gliding through the water, seeking the right prey.

When it rolled to a stop right in front of me and the window began to slide back into the door, I glanced around to make sure my safety net was nearby. This wasn’t the sort of vehicle that ever stopped for me. When I saw Mei nearby shooing her finely manicured hands at me, telling me to go ahead, I leaned over, propping one of my elbows in the window frame.

"May I give you a lift?" The driver asked while looking past me.

I tilted my eyes to the back seat, but a tinted sheet of glass kept me from seeing anyone. I looked back to the driver tilted my head so my ponytail hung child-like to one side. Curiosity was getting the better of me.

"Sure," I said with a glowing smile on my face. I leaned up and turned around, showing the driver my torn back pocket as I patted it. "I could use a new pair of jeans, about $200 should cover it." Letting him know my price. It was double what I normally charged, but looking at the car, I knew he could afford it.

"Of-of course." He stammered, turning his eyes towards the road as his left hand fumbled for the door locks.

I climbed in next to him, into the softest leather cushions I had ever felt.

"Put... your seat belt on, please." He said without looking at me, then waited to hear it click before pulling away from the curve.

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