This week: Pick Your Favorite Words Edited by: Annette  
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Pick Your Favorite Words
In drawing classes, some teachers will have students scribble something onto the page. A doodle that doesn't have any real shape or meaning. Just a few lines. Then, the student has to take in those lines and build a complete image out of them. Just how a few random lines on a page of paper can become a masterpiece in color, so can single words morph into poetry, essays, novels, and short stories.
To start, make a list of ten, twelve, or twenty, or whatever how many words you would like. These words have to mean something to you in some way. Once you've listed them out, read them and let each one sink in.
Choose the word that speaks to you the loudest. Even if you don't understand why in that moment. It's even better if your favorite word keeps a mystery from you that you have to explore before it gets revealed to you.
It might be tempting to pick an unusual word like "defenestration," which means to throw something or even someone out of a window. This is not your best choice. It's too specific in its meaning and forces your imagination into a direction.
It's better to pick a more common word. Common words can change their meaning depending who uses it or in which context it is used. However, even in their multitool capacity, common words are easily understood by most readers. I am intentionally not giving any examples for common words here. Your list of favorite, common words should be untainted by me.
Once you have decided on a word, take some time to get to know it.
Write down all the things, smells, tastes, people, events that you associate to this word.
Research the word's etymology. That means its history. Where did it come from? Where has it been in the meantime? Who used it? Did its meaning change over time? Is the word attached to a historical event? Are there any problems with this word?
Have you ever overheard someone use the word in a way that is strange to you?
Build your narrative on the word. You could use a diagram, an outline, or an inventory of words that go together with this word. The more you immerse yourself into this chosen word, the more words will emerge. Tell their story.
Which one of your favorite words will surprise you with a new story? |
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Replies to my last For Authors newsletter "Festivities Mid Point" that asked What kind of system do you use to keep track of a large number of varied tasks?
Choconut  wrote: This is great advice, Annette. Thank you. I've been a little overwhelmed by all of the activities. But, by taking stock and working out all of the due dates for all the different activities, I can make a plan. I've already accomplished quite a lot, so I think it's a good time to make a plan now.
Nice! I am glad that my newsletter came at the right time for you. |
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For Authors: November 27, 2024 Issue [#12858]
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