Writing 2.0 Advanced Workshops: Word Choice with Ellen

Writing 2.0 Advanced Workshops: Word Choice

Thursday, Sept 11 6:30-8:00pm

Community Room

What’s in a word? Everything! Word choice matters, whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction.

Using the wrong word has been identified as the prime error most likely to attract a readers’ negative attention. For word choice, a writer needs ask: is this the word I really want to use, or is this the best word I can use to express my ideas? The detonation of a word, its explicit or direct meaning, is important, as well its connotation, or the idea or feeling the word invokes. The task of choosing the right word rather than the wrong word is part of the revision process. In early drafts, we’re working with “approximations,” “near synonyms,” and “almost-right words,” while “converting inexact words to precise ones remains a critical part of revising our drafts” (Norquist).

Using the right word not only effectively communicates your ideas to the reader, but has the power to evoke emotions, memory, and senses to convey a scene or passage.

Bring your favorite writing tools, whether electronic or mechanical.

Paper and pens/pencils will be available as back up.

Ellen Higgins, Ph.D., author and writing instructor, has been teaching writing for over 30 years, including a Writing Workshop for the Bethlehem Central Schools Adult Ed program since 2007. She has also taught yoga/meditation and water safety and fitness classes

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