Choosing the right words 🤓(Updated)

Words create an impression with the reader, whether it is the narrative or the specific wording that a character uses. It's always important to consider your characters, environment, and mood involved when choosing your words.

I'm very aware of the words I choose when setting a scene, especially with dialogue in my Hernandez series. Since the books are about bloodthirsty criminals, it only makes sense that the words surrounding them represent that mood. Powerful words are essential, right from the first paragraph, and the protagonist must set the tone for the reader. We need to get a feel for the personality we're about to take a journey with, preparing us for the adventure we're about to embark on.

It's not uncommon for me to go back and change the wording simply because I feel there's a better way to communicate to the reader. Having said that, I don't think writers need to overthink words and become too analytical. Perfection isn't a requirement.

It's also important to consider what is appropriate for your reader. Who's your audience? How old are they? What feelings do you hope to instill in readers? A suspense book would read differently than a romance novel., for example. 

Also, what is the character's background? Educational level? Where do they live? A young Mexican cartel member with a 10th-grade education speaks differently than a middle-aged lawyer living in Toronto. Their experiences, lifestyle, associates, vocabulary are vastly different. 

If you're new to writing, don't let this intimidate you. You can always go back and change the words later. Regarding characters, the more you get to know them, the easier it is to automatically know how they talk and what they will say (think of people you know well and how you come to be familiar with their dialogue patterns)

Remember, when writing a book, essay, or article, words are all you have to work with, so make them count.

Why words matter 🗣(Updated)

If you've ever been in an argument or had a misunderstanding with another person, chances are you're already aware of why words matter. We often find ourselves in situations where words should be picked carefully, especially when there's a risk of being misinterpreted.

Not to suggest that we're already great when picking our words. If you're like me, during particularly rushed or stressful times, an entire sentence can fly out of my mouth and not make any sense at all. It happens. We're human.

So, how important are words in writing?

When I create a scene, a conversation, or show what characters are doing, I am careful about picking words that establish the mood. For example, in And the Devil Will Laugh, I had help preparing the back cover because I wanted to be sure that I chose the best words that summed up my book. I wanted to show the intensity, the fierceness of the characters, and create a sense of what to expect.

...he and his loyal foot soldiers will muscle in and tear off a big chunk of it for themselves. 

This creates a pretty strong impression of the kind of characters in my book. If I had chosen instead to say that Jorge planned to 'move in and with the help of his associates, would take over,' it simply wouldn't have the same impact.

Also, keep in mind that each character has a unique dialogue. For example, Jorge Hernandez, the protagonist in my last few books, is known for often saying, "I don't got time." When he says this, it's usually a sign he's aggravated and is about 5 seconds from rushing out the door, and he wants a situation resolved now. Each of my characters has unique dialogue patterns and expressions.

With dialogue, it's also important to remember that it can vary according to a character's education, age, ethnicity, experiences, and even attitudes.

Words do matter. Pick yours carefully.