Friday, June 26, 2015

Choosing the Right Word

As a writer, one of the most important things you need to learn is that every word counts.  

Today's topic is word choice, or diction. Diction is the process by which a writer uses to choose the exact right word for the piece he or she is writing.


What’s so important about choosing the right word?

Word choice affects so many things in your writing, but specifically we are going to look at tone and imagery.

Recently, I had a student who wanted to improve her word choice.  She wanted to use unique words rather than simple ones. However, when she started picking words, they that didn’t quite create the impression she intended.  In her story, she was trying to show that she was worried about moving and leaving her friends.  One of her sentences was this:

I might have to flee, maybe migrate or take off without any sincere goodbyes. 

Let’s break this down.  

First of all, the word flee means to escape.  She intended her tone to show worry about leaving, but instead the word flee made it feel more like she wanted to run from them.  This is the opposite of what she meant.    

Next, migrate conjures the imagery of geese flying south for
the winter.  While it is similar to moving, it’s not the image she was trying to convey.  Certain words bring specific pictures to mind whether we intend it to happen or not.

Lastly, sincere is a great word choice.  It clearly communicates that she clearly cared about her relationships.  Paired with goodbyes, the phrase sincere goodbyes creates the feeling of true sorrow, which is exactly what she meant.

Sometimes keeping it simple is best.  Here's a revision that would capture the essence of her feelings: 

I might have to leave without any sincere goodbyes.  

Every word has it’s own unique meaning.  

One of my favorite authors Steven James mentions in his book Story Trumps Structure that there is no such thing as a true synonym.  At first, this seems contradictory.  

However, I found the same idea from another famous author named Gustave Flaubert, a French Author who lived in the 1800’s. According to an article I read, "he often repeated that there was no such thing as a synonym and that a writer had to track down le seul mot juste, 'the unique right word,' to convey his thought precisely."  

Dictionaries define Mot juste as a French phrase that means the exact right (or appropriate) word.  Every word has it's own unique meaning.

So the lesson is that when you go to choose a word, make sure you choose the right one.  You have to be sure that each word you choose reflects the tone you wish to convey and creates the imagery to fit your piece.  

And be careful when using a thesaurus.  Never use a word that you don't know.  There are few things worse than using the wrong word in your writing.  And your readers will always know it.

Have you ever used exactly the wrong word by accident?  Or do you have a story about finding just the right word?  Tell me below.


"Gustave Flaubert". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2015. Web. 26 Jun. 2015
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http://www.britannica.com/biography/Gustave-Flaubert/Later-years>.


Friday, June 19, 2015

When Tragedy Strikes, Write

In light of the recent Charleston tragedy, I wanted to take a moment to reveal writing as a healing agent.

This week, communities around South Carolina and the nation are reeling at the horrible massacre that happened at the church in Charleston.  The tragedy is beyond explanation, and many are seeking answers to something unanswerable.

When tragedy strikes, it's a good time to sit down and write.

I'm not talking about fictionalizing the event and making an entertaining story out of it.

For now, I'm talking about searching for emotional healing through writing.  Working through tough questions, anger, and sorrow on paper.

I have been advised numerous times by counselors and people in leadership who are not writers to use the pen to release my frustrations.

There is something very healing about the release of emotions on a page. 

On more than one occasion, writing has helped me work through very difficult and dark times in my relationships.  Instead of blasting another person with my anger, I took it out on the paper. And somehow, I felt like I had released enough of it to move forward with forgiveness and work out whatever the problem regardless of whether the person even apologized.

Here is a disclaimer about writing to release anger: if you do this, be sure to throw it away.  It will do no good to show it to the person.

The events of this week have stirred up much anger.  I'm angry that someone would do something so heinous.  But instead of publicly attacking the killer, it would be best to attack the page and then throw it away.  Keeping rage circulating is only going to stir the pot further, possibly even causing others to retaliate violently.  Yes, of course we want justice, but that will come eventually and not by our hands.

We don't want retaliation.  We want healing.

It's inevitable that we will all face loss.  Loss is especially hard if it's unexpected like what many are facing this week.

I've found that poetry and journaling helped me to express those sorrowful feelings that I couldn't express verbally.  Once it was out on paper, it felt like I was released more and more from my grief each time.  Whenever depression tries to creep back in, I have found that expressing my feelings through writing helps to curb those hopeless feelings.

Take note that I'm not saying I walked away completely healed in each of these instances.  However, on the road to complete healing, writing has been extremely instrumental.   And I believe it can be for you.

If you are struggling, even if you are not a writer, try to use writing to find healing this week.  Your anger, grief, or sorrow may be totally unrelated to the shooting.  It doesn't matter.

Here are five ways to use writing to deal with tragedy:

  1. Freewrite all your thoughts and words.  Let it all out.  This doesn't have to be in complete sentences.  Write anything and everything until you feel you are done. 
  2. Write a letter to the offending person.  As long as you don't plan to give it to him or her, freely write all your feelings and emotions in letter form.
  3. Try poetry.  Think of an image, such as a familiar object or a nature scene, that expresses how you are feeling and use figurative language to bring that image to life.  Use words that reflect your current emotions.
  4. Journal your daily thoughts and emotions.  Take time each day while you are experiencing tragedy or loss to write it out in a journal.  Reread your entries occasionally to see your progress.  
  5. Write a letter to the lost loved one.  Tell him or her everything you wished you had done or said and work out unresolved issues.
I'm not going to promise that writing will heal all of your wounds, but I can tell you that it will help you on your road to healing.

How have you used writing to find healing?  Tell me your story below.

Friday, June 12, 2015

So You Want to Get Published Part 2

The Clarion Call
Whenever there is a publishing opportunity for you, I am going to send out what is known as a "clarion call."  The dictionary defines this as a strongly expressed demand or a call to action.

The clarion was a medieval war trumpet that sounded the alarm and called people to prepare themselves immediately for whatever was happening at the moment.  

In other words, when I send out a clarion call, I am urging you to action as a writer.  Each clarion call will spotlight a publishing opportunity or a contest.  Be sure to read the details carefully.


Today's clarion call is for Starsongs Magazine.

The following information was advertised in a recent email from Kristine Pratt, the owner of Written World Communications.

Starsongs is looking for writers age 9-19.  They accept short stories, poetry, artwork, and photography from young people.  Stories and essays should not exceed 1200 words.  Poetry should be no longer than one page.

The current theme for summer 2015 is travel and faraway places.  Even though the submissions page says the deadline is June 15, they have extended the deadline to June 25, 2015, so make a note!

Get this:  Starsongs does pay for selected submissions.  It varies between $5 and $25 per piece depending on length and genre.  You also will have a byline so your name will appear with your published submission.

Submission guidelines can be found by clicking here.

This is a great way to start getting your work out there.  Especially at a young age, your participation in opportunities like this will set yourself up for a bright writing future.

Before you submit, remember these things from last week's post:

Above all else, don't pass up your chance to be published.  Do you want to be writer?

The time is now.

Comment below what you plan to submit to Starsongs.

Contact me using the form at the right of this page if you have further questions.  

Sunday, June 7, 2015

So You Want to Get Published? Part 1

Five Things to Remember

Are you one of those writers dreaming of getting published one day?  
I am.

But I’ve found it’s not that easy.

There’s so much more to publishing than many realize.  It’s just not as simple as submitting your work somewhere.

This is not to discourage you, but to prepare you, so you will see yourself published one day. 

Here are five things to remember when considering publication.

Get connected to a writing group.
It’s first for a reason. 

As writers, we need each other.  If you are serious about publishing, the very first thing you need to do is find a group of like-minded writers.  A good critique group that meets regularly will grow you up as a writer.  Constant feedback on your writing will improve it more than just self-editing.  If you can’t find a group, try forming one.  For example, high school students could form a writing club at school by finding a teacher sponsor. 


Here are two links to several known critique groups.

Word Weavers International—Word Weavers also offers online critique groups.


Decide what you want to start publishing.

Are you writing a novel?  Do you write short stories, Manga, or poetry?

Spoiler alert: Book publishing can be one of the most intensive and lengthy routes to publication. 

For new writers, I would recommend finding smaller venues to publish shorter works. Many well-known authors got their start by publishing small.   Doing this will help you get used to the business of publishing as well as give you experience as a writer. 
Also remember that not all publishing opportunities pay.  However, the experience is well-worth the time rather than the money.  And don’t discount that high school or college literary magazine.  That’s a great writing credit you can add to your resume. 

Meanwhile, work on that bestseller.

Here are a few links to some possible places for publication, but know there are many more.



            Read publications which publish your genre and style of writing.  

This is extremely important.   If you write poetry, find magazines or publications that publish poetry.   And read them. 

Don’t try to submit your work without actually taking time to read previously published works in the publication.  You might find that there are certain themes or tones in the published pieces.  If you align your work with those threads, you will be more likely to get published.  If you don’t bother to read the publication, you might get rejected simply on the fact that your work doesn’t quite fit their style or needs.   
   

Read the submission guidelines.

Duh. 

It seems obvious, but if you want to get your work out there, you have to follow the rules.

Make sure you read everything carefully and ensure that you use the proper formatting, length, genre, etc… 

Most publishers have certain requirements and will not bother to even look at your work if it’s not formatted properly.

Revise.  Edit.  Repeat.  
Writing is about 75% revision in my opinion and experience. 

First drafts are easy.  What’s more difficult is writing those words in the exact, right way.  Revision is the most critical part of the writing process.  While it’s the part that matures you as a writer, it can also be the most frustrating. 

Just remember this: No one ever published their first draft of anything.
Run the spelling and grammar check.  Let someone proofread and edit your work (see step 1 above).  Revise and rewrite.  And then do it all over again.  

I tell my students that writing is never absolutely finished.  Final drafts are figments of your imagination.  You can always improve it even after publication. 

The more you revise, the better writer you will become. 

It’s your turn. 
So which area do you need to work on in order to get published?  Tell me below.   If you have been published, feel free to chime in with more tips!