When I was 11-14 I used really 'complex' words that made people call me too smart and confusing, they weren't being mean but a friend confided in me that they all say it because they don't know the meanings and wish so badly they could strings words together like I could. Since I was young, I caved under the pressure of those pointing out my large words and I then stopped using them- I spoke like ever 11-14 year old 'should'. I now am 17 and a writer and have a lack of words, what can I do?

My advice? Make a list of words, the “biggest,” most beautiful words you can find either in a dictionary or online, and then keep that list for reference.

Every time you write a poem or prose piece, try to fit a few words from your list into it. But don’t make the words seem forced; don’t just toss them haphazardly into your poem or prose just for the sake of adding a few “big words.” Instead, incorporate them smoothly so that the poem or prose piece still has a natural flow.

Keep repeating this process until you feel like you can use “complex" words in a natural, easy way that enhances your writing.

Best of luck!