What’s the difference between fully automatic, semi-automatic and automatic firearms? And who left this pile of guns here? (Shutterstock photo)

TLDR: When writing, clarify whether the gun in the story is “semi-automatic” or “fully automatic” upon first reference, then use “automatic” as shorthand. There is a functional difference that could affect the plot.

If learning about firearms feels like an exhausting exercise in vocabulary, thank you for reading this blog! That’s exactly what a lot of it is, but that doesn’t mean vocab is any less important. Plots hinge on characters using firearms. The words you use indicate functionality, which impacts what happens in the story. That goes double in the often conflated usage of “automatic” firearms.

Here’s how to get it right. Continue reading →