Sol Stein defined a writer with just eight words.
Over the years and in meeting writers from the novice to the award-winning, I've seen the proof of those eight words. And if I never publish or sell another work, I will still write because I cannot not write.
How about you?
Catherine E. McLean
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This year's monthly posts features a quote and February's is from author Silvie Kurtz, who wrote—
The more concrete and specific your word choice is, the crisper the mind-images you will create for your reader, making her feel as if she's right there on the scene.
If I say a flower, the image you get in your mind is vague and colorless.
If I say a yellow rose, the image that pops is vivid and focused—and won't look anything like a daisy.
Choose your words carefully to create image after image that will take your reader deep into your imaginary world, making it impossible for her to put the book down.
I wholeheartedly concur with Kurtz. Not only be specific with the setting details but also with the verbs that show action. It is not the passivity of he was standing in the corner but the vividness of he slouched in the corner the better to be ignored.
Consider too the degrees of an emotion. Does she really hate roses or does she loath them. As to hate, it runs the gamut from annoyed to blood raging murder.
So, seek the correct word that will convey, and show, what is truly meant and your reader will stay engrossed in your story.
Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day,
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Clarity trumps all rules. I coined that phrase way back in 2009, and it still holds true because if the writing or story isn't clear and understandable, whose fault is that? Definitely the writer's.
And, of course, following precise rules can actually muddle matters, particularly punctuation and grammar rules that easily destroy "voice"—be it the writer's, the story's narrator's, or characters'.
So, this year, I will feature a quote each month that I value in the hope that you find the words beneficial in your writing journey.
Take note—the quote that opened this post is not the January 2025 quote. The New Year is a time for setting goals and making resolutions. So, this month's quote ties in with the SMART concept of goal setting, which you can google. If you do, look for the images of SMART goal setting templates. However, this New Year's writing goals quote of mine is from Master Phillip Minton, Black Belt, 1996, The Way, a publication of ATA (American Taekwondo Assn.):
Achievement means:
Number One
Determine what you want out of life.
Number Two
Find somebody who's achieved it.
Number Three
Study and practice and make a plan from what you learned from them.
Number Four
Check your plan and constantly make sure you're taking action to achieve your plan.
Number Five
Enjoy yourself while you're doing it!
Be SMART - write with one or more writing goals in mind and —
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This Christmas, I'll keep the post ultra simple —
That is— What writer's tool, gizmo, electronic or other item would put a smile on your face if you were to find that particular gift under your Christmas Tree?
I wish you all the joys of the holidays,
Catherine E. McLean
