The Right, Write, Rite, Wright Word
"The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver," so the Bible says. (Proverbs 25:11)
Why is the right word important? Because writing is about communication, and you can't have true communication without clarity and understanding.
How do I convey the images and feelings that are inside me? You can't see them or feel them; they are mine alone. Unless I can find words -- the right words -- to express most clearly what I'm experiencing, you won't understand me.
Further, if I don't choose words that you know, you won't grasp what I'm saying. I might explain my feelings perfectly in Japanese, but if you don't know the language my words will mean nothing to you.
As a writer my most important task is to take you on a journey through my story. The right words provide a way for you to relate to my characters, understand the story world and ultimately the message of the story itself. One moment of failure could cost me your attention and perhaps your commitment to finish my book. If you can't relate to what I've written, it will seem meaningless and you'll simply throw my book across the room (and eventually in the bin). I can't risk that.
Will my book be a best-seller or a failure? The answer lies in my choice of words.
When is the right word important? All the time. Okay, perhaps the first draft is allowed to be [insert naughty word here] but even so I think I'd be on the lookout for the best word. If I can't think of it, then hopefully I'll catch up during the second and third draft. Then I keep on going until I'm sure I've said what I've meant to say and know that you'll understand it.
Not just the right word, but the right spelling of the right word is important. Years ago I worked in Human Resources. I vividly remember one particular applicant's resume. She explained that she was not like other young people who stood smocking on street corners. I suspect she meant to use the word "smoking" but my imagination went into overdrive as I pictured leather-clad bikers getting out their embroidery.
Unfortunately for her, I remember the resume for the wrong reason. I do not want anyone to remember my book for the wrong reason.
Surely, you think, there's no such thing as bad publicity? It must be good that someone remembers the book, whatever the reason. Not so.
Imagine you're my reader. How do you react when my word choice goes wrong?
First, you'd be jolted out of the story.
Second, you might feel confused.
Third, you might find it so difficult to read that you give up.
Fourth, you could get angry.
Fifth, you might never again read anything I write.
Gee, it's not worth it, is it? I'd better choose the right words or I'm sunk as an author.
Why is the right word important? Because writing is about communication, and you can't have true communication without clarity and understanding.
How do I convey the images and feelings that are inside me? You can't see them or feel them; they are mine alone. Unless I can find words -- the right words -- to express most clearly what I'm experiencing, you won't understand me.
Further, if I don't choose words that you know, you won't grasp what I'm saying. I might explain my feelings perfectly in Japanese, but if you don't know the language my words will mean nothing to you.
As a writer my most important task is to take you on a journey through my story. The right words provide a way for you to relate to my characters, understand the story world and ultimately the message of the story itself. One moment of failure could cost me your attention and perhaps your commitment to finish my book. If you can't relate to what I've written, it will seem meaningless and you'll simply throw my book across the room (and eventually in the bin). I can't risk that.
Will my book be a best-seller or a failure? The answer lies in my choice of words.
When is the right word important? All the time. Okay, perhaps the first draft is allowed to be [insert naughty word here] but even so I think I'd be on the lookout for the best word. If I can't think of it, then hopefully I'll catch up during the second and third draft. Then I keep on going until I'm sure I've said what I've meant to say and know that you'll understand it.
Not just the right word, but the right spelling of the right word is important. Years ago I worked in Human Resources. I vividly remember one particular applicant's resume. She explained that she was not like other young people who stood smocking on street corners. I suspect she meant to use the word "smoking" but my imagination went into overdrive as I pictured leather-clad bikers getting out their embroidery.
Unfortunately for her, I remember the resume for the wrong reason. I do not want anyone to remember my book for the wrong reason.
Surely, you think, there's no such thing as bad publicity? It must be good that someone remembers the book, whatever the reason. Not so.
Imagine you're my reader. How do you react when my word choice goes wrong?
First, you'd be jolted out of the story.
Second, you might feel confused.
Third, you might find it so difficult to read that you give up.
Fourth, you could get angry.
Fifth, you might never again read anything I write.
Gee, it's not worth it, is it? I'd better choose the right words or I'm sunk as an author.
posted by Elaine | 9:17 pm
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