EXCESS FOR SUCCESS
I have two characters in the port of Zaitun in 14th Century China. They are just off a trading vessel from Europe and are about to commence with trade and purchase. I have written the following:
"Both Cepa and Matzerath have learned some basic greetings which they yell at the top of their voices. These are not the formal nor polite greetings of social interaction, but rather . . . "
My question, open to all and sundry, is should I use the phrase "at the top of their voices". How else does one yell? Yet I feel this is emphasis which fits with their surroundings, and not excess.
But I'm not sure.
Keywords:
About Dale
I owe my life to Hitler, though I never met the man. My father was paid to stop Hitler, so there is no conflict of interest. I was given a thunk on the back o' the head by God when I was fifteen, and within a week began to write. I haven't stopped. My first...
Connections
Sorry I didn't see this sooner
I was having long weekend times.
Anyhoo, I think there are levels of yelling. So I think you can leave it as-is. However, I can't help but wonder whether there's another way of saying it that will have more oomph because it's more original? Perhaps a metaphor? "... which they yell so loudly they sound like dueling bullhorns."
Okay, that stunk. But you get the ideer. Then again, I say you can leave as-is.