A Rose Is A Rose, Unless It's A Daisy
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,
Catherine E. McLean
www.catherineEmclean.com
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