 Action/Adventure: February 22, 2006 Issue [#888] |
  Action/Adventure
This week: Edited by: W.D.Wilcox  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
Words mean things…they tell a story, paint a picture, and allow the mind to experience an emotion that a moment ago, was not even there. That is the power of words—the magic.
-W.D.Wilcox
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| ASIN: B083RZ2C5F |
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Magic Words
Words are the tools of a writer. Devices, methods, and techniques can all be developed later—first you have to have the words.
Have you ever evaluated the vocabulary of your story?
Here are just a few things to remember…
Use short words when possible
Short words are usually more powerful and understandable than long ones. For instance, compare guts and intestinal fortitude. There may be places to use the longer term, but make sure it fits. Shorter words are easier to read and, generally, to comprehend.
Don't use fifty cent words without giving information to define them
Example: The new executive, in the grip of an iconoclastic fervor, fired me. Restated to give meaning to the word, the sentence might say: The new executive, an iconoclast by nature, fired me in his effort to restructure the company. (An iconoclast is one who tears down established or cherished beliefs.)
Avoid negatives
"The sun was not shining," does not give much information about the weather. "It was dreary," is much more descriptive. Generally, positive statements are more efficient and powerful and give more information than negative ones.
Write with nouns and verbs
You had to write descriptive paragraphs in English class using adjectives and adverbs and now you have found a place to practice. Oh, joy! Don't do it! Don’t use adverbs! If you have to…use them very sparingly and very well. The right modifier shines like a jewel while inappropriate or excessive ones clutter and drain.
Beware of trendy words used inappropriately
Consider them informal or slang until Webster accepts them. Biggie, cheap shot, judgment call, power curve, gnarly and maven may have a place, but be sure they fit. Never force the use of unique words just to show off. Sometimes they can hide rather than reveal facts.
Words are POWERFUL, DRAMATIC, REVEALING and INTERESTING, but first they have to be understood. Too often I have read a poem or story where the author uses a word that just doesn’t fit with the rest of the words—it sticks out like a festering pimple on the end of your nose. Write naturally…use your own voice.
Au Naturale
If you write in a way that is not natural for you, your writing will be bad, boring and broken, and it will take you an enormous amount of time to write. Always write in a way that flows out of your fingers and always understand your material before you write. In this way, your brain can stream the information out and you can write from an expert's point-of-view...you!
What'd You Say?
To write in a natural way, you have to learn your own "verbal" style before you can master a "written" style. If you feel that you don't have style, you're wrong. Read something you wrote out loud and listen to your words, voice and inflexions. This is a general example of YOUR style of communication, and it is what can make your writing unique as well as smooth.
I found that, if I read aloud one hour a day, I am better able to understand my style. Sound loony? I got this idea from my wife—she teaches reading. On her days off, she roams around the house talking to herself. She said it allows her to hear herself and better understand her voice and style. I tried it...and it works! This little exercise has allowed my written words to flow like my spoken words using MY style! Whatever that is…LOL.
Until next time,
billwilcox
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Action Picks
This month I thought I would feature stories from the Editors of the Action/Adventure Newsletter.
The first is kittiara, an amazing feline writer that lives in a small English town with her pride of cats. Sometimes she thinks she isn’t very pretty, but I’m here to tell you that the dark-haired girl with the red streaks in her hair, is beautiful beyond compare.
Next up is Puditat  , another cat lover extraordinaire. She’s a full time writer, married, works in a museum, and lives in New Zealand with her cat, Pudi, her dog, Wag, and even a horse. Her poetry is exquisite, but her stories are masterful. Moreover, she is the only person I know who compares her life to that of a growing tree.
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Last but not least is The Milkman  . What can you say about someone who knows cows inside and out? When I first came to Writing.com it was the Milker Dude that caught and held my attention. He does everything: contests, forums, help groups…but he is best known for his incredible sense of humor. What most people don’t know about him though, is that he writes some of the most heart-felt love poems I have ever read, and his stories are second to done.
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And then there’s me…billwilcox. What can I say  . I just love to write.
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That makes up the team. Join us each week, won’t you, at the Action/Adventure Newsletter.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
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Feedback
Last month I discussed writing in the First, Second and Third Person. Here are some of your responses.
esprit
Submitted Comment:
Thank you, W.D.Wilcox, for taking the time to show clearly the difference of First, Second Or Third Person. Writing a few lines from each point of view shows what you're talking about to new writers who haven't learned the terminology yet. This is a very helpful letter. Thanks.
scribbler
Submitted Comment:
In all honesty I hate reading a story in 2nd person, it usually distracts me from the story.
concrete_angel
Submitted Comment:
Hi, W.D.! This was an awesome newsletter, and I agree with you that no matter what person is used in a story, the best thing to do is just write! I've written a bit (just for fun) in every tense, but writing a book using all three in different sections? Wow! That has got to be hard. Congratulations, and thanks for a great and informative newsletter.
StephBee 
Submitted Comment:
Very good article about points of view and how they are used. I have to agree, I don't like reading the 2nd person much in fiction. Two thumbsup for this engaging newsletter. StephB
schipperke
Submitted Comment:
Thanks for the plug! The "Invalid Item" will be held monthly for those of you brave enough to try. Google 'fixed form' prose or poetry and you will learn about other fixed form ways to write.
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| ASIN: 0910355479 |
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Amazon's Price: $ 13.99
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