The Word Choice Chart

We've spoken before about word choice. Along with plot and characterization, word choice is one of the fundamental aspects of writing. If you have bad word choice, writers will put down your novel. No questions asked.

It's natural for us, as humans, to reuse the same words over and over again. You know the people who use the word "like" every other sentence. However, reusing your words within the same paragraph - even within the same page - is tedious for the reader. Rather than focusing on your amazing writing, the reader will be looking for nothing but the next time you use the word "turned".

Another word choice snafu is using boring words or words inappropriate for the situation. For example, you could definitely use the word "walked" all the time, but wouldn't it be more interesting (and more descriptive) for the reader if you used "trundled", "lumbered", "promenaded", or "skipped"? And if you're writing a dramatic or somber scene, you don't want to use words with a positive connotation or risk pulling the reader right out of your scene.

To help you switch up your word choice in new and original ways, I found this chart of Pinterest. So, the next time you want to say your character is "mad" for third time, consult the chart and try something new.

 

Original from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/476326098061437968/