Word Choices

One lesson I learned in attempting to write a good story is that word choice is imperative to a good read. While we speak in simple terms, the written words needs to be raised to a higher level. I work hard at chosing the right words and spend considerable amount of of time obsessing over minute meanings.

For instance,

Originally I wrote this sentence: He knew his friend was aware of which lady was the object of his search.

I sought a better word than "knew" which turns out to be considered a weak word. So I set about the thesaurus on line - the one that comes with word - right click on a word and select look up. I drill down and down and down until I find the word I think conveys my thought. Sometimes I have to go to another thesaurus. Here is the sentence now:

He presupposed his friend was aware of which lady was the object of his search.

the word presupposed feels right. It does say more than knew. It indicates this had been thought about before this event took place. It was my 16th word I considered. lol I do obsess over everything.

Now word choice can also be driven by the chapter as a whole. Let us say, that an underlying theme of a chapter is a battle being waged. This time, I chose words that were more military like-

retreated
spying
skirmish
Stand guard
parameter
scouted
entrenched
patrol
surveillance
tactic

these were words that replaced the more civilian types and the underlying theme was met. I believe it raised the tension a little just by substituting these words in the right place.

So one day soon, look for them. YOu will know because the "battle" will be identified in plain words. lol

Well, my word choices for today are: exercise, clean, write, type, shower, file and of course entertain. Tonight is my night to serve dinner to my friend.

take care until tomorrow.

gayle