Writing is a craft, and every writer is a craftsman

Words are the basic tools that writers use to bring out the best in their work. Like any other craft, the best results can be achieved only with the best of tools.

Even if you possess a good set of tools, you need to constantly sharpen and improve them, so that your tool set does not become old and rusted. Similarly, you need to keep learning new words – your writing tools – to be able to write well and long.

Read as much as you can.

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”

    – Stephen King

Since my school days, I have been surrounded by teachers and friends who wanted me “use a dictionary”. For, better or worse, I never paid attention to these people.

I simply read a lot.

When I encountered a word I didn’t know, I ascribed a meaning to it based on the context in which the word appeared. When I came across that word again, I checked out the meaning I had ascribed to it against the context in which the word appeared now. Over time, with this system of trial and error, I not only began to understand the meaning of words, but I also began to remember them.

This method had an added advantage that I did not have to take a break from reding to look up the meaning of a word in an dictionary.

A Dictionary tells you the meaning better.

At the risk of contradicting my earlier point, and sounding like all those people who wanted me to use a dictionary, I have to say that using a dictionary is the second best method to improve your word power.

You don’t have to consult a dictionary in the midst of a reading session because that may take the fun out of reading. You can, however, remember the hard words, and the interesting words, and look these up later when you are finished reading.

Also, there are words that have more than one meaning, and you can learn about the different meanings of the word only by consulting a dictionary. So, while I would still say that the best way to improve your vocabulary is to read a lot,  I would recommend the use of a dictionary as often as you can.

A Thesaurus is where the words live.

A thesaurus is a great tool to learn new words.

As a writer, I wasn’t using a thesaurus earlier because I strongly believed that the best word to use was the one that came naturally. But, sometimes when you read your writing again, you feel that there are words that stick out, and are best replaced. A thesaurus can help you find the right word to replace the one sticking out.

Additionally, going through a thesaurus can be an interesting way to spend your time if you have a knack for words.

Test your Word Power

As a child, I was a great fan of the monthly magazine, The Reader’s Digest.  It had great anecdotes, great stories, and it had a section on Word Power.

The first thing I used to do when the Reader’s digest arrived on our doorstep was to grab a pen and take the vocabulary test. Doing well in that quiz was always a satisfying experience, and If I did not do well, I was motivated to do better the next time. In this way, I not only got a chance to learn new words, but also found motivation to continue to improve my vocabulary. There is no reason you can’t do the same by taking vocabulary quizzes, which can be found in any good magazine.

So, these are a few ways in which I learn new words. What’s your source of words?

(Image Courtesy: SteveTaint from sxc.hu)

Therefore, naturally, you are very careful with the way you handle your money.

It would hold you in good stead if you treated your words like you treat your money. Here is how you can do that:

1. Be Frugal: You would usually not go out and waste money on something that you don’t want. You would also ensure that you get maximum value for every penny you spend. A similar principle should be followed with words. Use words to convey your meaning with the least number of words. If a word adds no value to a sentence, don’t use it. Save it from some place else.

2. Multiply Your Wealth: Just like you constantly keep adding money to that bank account (or that secret safe hidden in your bedroom), you should constantly keep adding to your vocabulary. You would not miss out on any opportunity to make an extra buck. So, why miss an opportunity to learn a new word? The more words you know, the better you will be able to use them.

3. Use the Right Currency: If you go to a foreign country, you will ensure beforehand that you have converted your currency to the currency used in that nation. If you don’t do that, you won’t be able to buy anything there even if you have all the wealth in the world. Similarly, you should ensure that you use words that your audience can understand and relate with. Maybe, you are an expert of words, but if your audience doesn’t know the meaning of glottologist, they might as well think of you as some part of the human anatomy.

4. Keep an Account: Most efficient people keep a record of every single penny they spend. They also plan the future inflows and outflows of money. You should plan on how much you wish to write in the days to come, and then you should compare targets with actual achievements. In light of the actual achievements, you can either review your targets, or you can identify reasons for falling short of your goals.

So,  from now on are you going to treat your words like you treat your money?