The photo today is of a coaster that I keep on my computer desk. It's meant for a glass or cup, but it also is a fine reminder for me. It reminds me what my writing world is about.
Writers put words on paper or screen. One word. A phrase with several words. A sentence with even more words. A paragraph made up of many words. You get the picture, I'm sure.
Yes, we writers use words every time we write. How those words are used varies from writer to writer.
One may use very ordinary words, passive verbs instead of action, no adjectives, few sensory details. Plain, not fancy, is the way this writer might describe his/her work.
Those who 'fancy' it up a bit by using a variety of words, active verbs, occasional adjectives, and many sensory details are the writers who end up with publishable material. They are the ones who pay attention to the mechanics of writing, edit and revise until they are satisfied with the end product.
These writers search for better words when they edit a first draft. They work at showing rather than telling. They put more time and effort into their writing than the first kind of writer cited above.
Effort is important in our writing world. Reaching goals ranks high, as well. Improving as a writer is an all the time job. We should not be satisfied with mediocre work. Instead, we writers should always strive to move higher on our writing journey.
And yes, those words we write should come from the heart, just as my coaster says. When the words do come from your heart, it shows in what you write. It is evident that you care about what you offer your readers.
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