Share

A New York Times blogger notes that, on some occasions, an unusual word is just the thing writers need to capture and communicate our message, and we should eschew the ordinary word when an unusual phrasing better serves the purpose.

“Still, when a fancier word keeps popping up in spots where a down-to-earth alternative is readily available, it can draw undue attention to itself. We may seem to be trying too hard.”

If we cultivate a garden of roses, would we plant a giant redwood tree in the middle? Or, since such a tree takes many years to grow so tall, let’s ask ourselves instead whether we would plant a rose garden around that stunning redwood.

Setting aside the shade, for a moment, that the roses might not thrive in, perhaps the redwood tree is the perfect complement to the roses. Its enormous height and girth might create a lovely focal point much like a beautiful statue invites the eye to the garden from a distance.

But if we want garden visitors to pay close attention to our roses and not only learn the difference between a floribunda and a grandiflora but also fully appreciate the meticulous arrangement, vibrant colors, and heady scent our roses emit, then we should consider whether this is, in fact, the best location for a rose garden. Or a redwood tree.

Who are we writing for? Ourselves? Or our readers?

If we write only to please ourselves, we can choose any words we wish. We can grow roses with a giant redwood—if that makes us happy—whether the arrangement is a winner for our visitors (and our roses) or not.

But when we write for ourselves, we’re just practicing mental masturbation. If we don’t care whether our message is understood by our readers—or whether we have any message at all—we can do as we like. Anything goes, of course, if we only wish to please ourselves.

If we write to satisfy only a reader, our audience, on the other hand, we’re robbing ourselves of our own satisfaction. At the extreme end—pumping out mindless drivel for content mills, say—we prostitute ourselves.

The best match between writer and reader is that of two lovers who know each other well.

The writer offers a consistent repertoire and rhythm for reliable results, but she spices her work skillfully for that sudden ah-ha moment or sweet surge of delight.

In turn, the reader quickly falls in step with the writer’s tempo but welcomes pleasant surprises that bring him to new levels of understanding or awareness.

But like an ill-placed redwood tree in a rose garden, a lover’s sudden, unusual move made with little consideration for her partner might not only ruin the mood but also could damage the relationship.

We might do well to ensconce Sequoiadendron giganteum with Rosa californica in a multifarious rosarium en plein air. But a tall evergreen tree surrounded by colorful roses in an outdoor garden would also be quite nice.

{ 0 comments }

Choose words wisely

In an article about managerial techniques and effective leadership, a writer compares “toughness” on one end of a spectrum with “being more touchy-feely” on the opposite end. Given workplace restrictions on both touching and feeling, I stopped to consider what this writer might mean. “Touchy-feely,” in my experience, is an expression used sarcastically by people [...]

Read the full article →

Don’t trust spell check

Is important to right good. That means spilling, grimmer, and stuff like comas an prods. Donut truss spill chick. It don’t have no problem wit nun of this wards or wren I spiel the name of my counter like this: Untied Stats. A spell check program is useful as a tool, but it’s not a [...]

Read the full article →

In defense of the lowly paragraph

The headline is catchy, and it promises a reward when I click on the link in the email. Just last night, in fact, I was thinking about this topic, and it’s definitely something I need to work on. I’ve read plenty of articles written by this guy, and he knows his stuff. Eagerly, I click. [...]

Read the full article →

Beware the faulty premise

Subtitle: Avoid everyone, everybody, nobody, and no one unless you’re 100% sure of your facts or you’re in marketing. Why? Because there’s almost always an exception. Case in point: Seth Godin’s blog post Talker’s Block. In the first paragraph, he establishes his argument by asserting that “no one ever gets talker’s block.” “No one” immediately [...]

Read the full article →

A guide to designing, creating, and marketing your own ebook

Last year at this time, I was going crazy. Not the you’d-better-see-a-doctor kind of going crazy. I was just going crazy trying to figure out how to create an ebook on my own—without hiring a designer or making any major software purchase. Some of you might remember that time. I’m handy with just about anything [...]

Read the full article →

Writers block? Take a break

I’ve never had writer’s block. I almost always have more topics to write about than I can keep track of. I’m a compulsive writer, and I’m constantly seeking an outlet even if it’s not for one of my blogs or paid work. There have been times, though, that I hardly wrote at all. It wasn’t [...]

Read the full article →

Want to be a better writer? Start now

Most writers want to improve their craft, especially beginners. But many of us don’t know where to start or what, exactly, we should improve. A writer’s group or classes in which you get feedback and support from other writers is ideal. Online friends, forums, and networks are also good. But there’s plenty you can do [...]

Read the full article →

An Oldie But Goodie: The Five Part Essay

If you’ve ever struggled with your writing, the “five-part essay” format can help. I often keep this format in mind because it helps me stay organized and focused. It can also be helpful when you’re struggling with writer’s block. Here’s what a five-part essay looks like: Introduction Point One Point Two Point Three Conclusion The [...]

Read the full article →

Thesis 1.8 Tip

I love Thesis, which is the WordPress theme for this blog and my other blog, Peaceful Planet. I upgraded from 1.7 to 1.8 recently (right after upgrading WP to 3.1), and I ran into a couple snags. Most of them were my own fault, like an “a ref” code thingy that I didn’t close up [...]

Read the full article →