Skip to main content

Guest Post: Precision in Writing

As writers, we write to be understood. To get our message across without any hitches. To express what we really mean in clear and un-vague terms. That's why we have to use precise words. And this is achieved by using accurate and expressive words.

When someone asks you, "How are you?" What's your normal reply?

You probably say, "I'm OK."

OK, well, most of us tend to give a reply along that line. But the thing is, with that kind of reply, do you think the person who asked you will have a clear idea of how you really are? I mean, if someone sincerely wanted to know how you are, she would expect a clear answer.

Let's face it, "OK" is a vague term. How OK are you exactly? OK as in really great? OK as in, "I'm getting by..."? OK as in "Gosh, I'm dying here!" Well, you get the picture.

People tend to be lazy to express exactly what they mean. Words like, "OK," "Nice," "Fine," "Not good," and such are "blanket words"...they cover a lot of territory but they really don't tell you anything.

As writers, we write to be understood. To get our message across without any hitches. To express what we really mean in clear and un-vague terms. That's why we have to use precise words. And this is achieved by using accurate and expressive words.

English is abundant with vivid words...use them. Don't settle for the vague ones. Make your writing more exact and vivid!

Here are some very easy exercises to help you get rid of vagueness:
A. Think of at least three vivid and specific verbs for each general verbs given.
1. run
2. walk
3. ask
4. reply
5. look
6. say
7. jump
8. cry
9. hate
10. eat

B. Using the specific verbs you came up with in A, write a short story, article, or news (fictional).

Copyright © Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

Download an excerpt of The Authentic Self: Journaling Your Joys, Griefs and Everything in Between below:
authenticself-sampler.zip OR authenticself-sampler.pdf

If you want 3 writing *sparks* delivered to you every day for 31 days, check out WriteSparks!™ Daily HERE for info on how to get started -- it's free :o)
Thank you for reading. Keep writing!



= = = = = »» NewsFlash: My book is OUT! «« = = = = =
Kick start your imagination, ignite your creativity, and begin your journey towards becoming an outstanding writer with the help of my book, WEEKLY WRITES: 52 Weeks of Writing Bliss! (ISBN: 0-9710796-7-6; Trade Paperback, 182pp; Filbert Publishing, Minnesota; March 2004)
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

World of Ink Interview with author Judy Snider and Illustrator Cady B. Driver

Judy Snider , Joan’s sister lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband, Gil, and two silly cats. She is the author of the CWA award-winning children’s picture book, Goldy’s Baby Socks , and on a team of authors of The Scared Purse . The Writing Mama Interview with author Judy Snider     VS: What do you do to help balance your writing life with your family life? Judy: It is easier now that my kids are in their 20’s and out of the home. I get up very early, and some of the best writing I do is in a sunny place with a glass of water or coffee and my silly cats nearby. When my oldest was a baby, I took a write-away-course, and would write when he took his naps. Some of my best writing was at a table while I waited in those days for them at parties, video arcades, etc.  I work out of my home on projects, so working with my sister on our latest book, and the phone usually did Cady Driver, our illustrator. VS: How long have you been writing? Judy: I wrote my...
Read more

Stories That Awaken the Soul: A Journey with Evan McDermott

What if the stories we tell — and the ones we choose to listen to — could change not just our perspective, but our very path in life? In a world where noise often drowns out meaning, returning to the simplicity and depth of authentic storytelling can reconnect us with what truly matters. This week on Language of the Soul , we sit down with Evan McDermott, poet, tarot reader, and host of the Fifth Dimension podcast, for a conversation that feels like sitting by the fire and remembering what it means to be human. Evan’s life and work remind us that the ancient practice of weaving narrative — through myth, poetry, or spiritual exploration — is more than art. It’s a vital act of self-remembering, of reclaiming our agency in a world that often tries to define us by labels, roles, or distractions. Our discussion with Evan touches on many layers: from the dualities of love and tyranny, to how compassion becomes a compass when the outer world feels divided or uncertain. We reflect on how st...
Read more

Redefining Purpose Through Life's Trials

  Facing the myriad of challenges that life presents, individuals often find themselves searching for meaning and purpose in the eye of the storm. Our latest podcast episode delves into the heart of this human experience, exploring how adversity does not just challenge but also shapes and molds our sense of purpose. The stories shared in this episode are not just narratives of survival; they are testaments to the power of transformation through trials. The episode begins with a deeply personal account of loss and grief from co-hosts Virginia Grenier and myself. The discussion moves beyond mere catharsis, revealing the podcast's role as a beacon of therapy and connection. This connection is further solidified by the importance of community and listener support, which serves as a lifeline for sustaining the platform. The beauty of shared experiences lies in their universality, and our candid conversation sets the stage for the narratives that follow. Our guest's story is a moving...
Read more