My daughter had an assignment for her AP Comm Arts class this summer, to write a brief essay on why she writes. I thought that was an interesting topic, and I enjoyed what she had to say. In fact, I knew exactly what she was talking about, because, like her, I don't really have a choice - I have to write. It's a compulsion even more than a passion, something I am driven to do, whether I want to or not, because if I don't express myself through writing, I will probably burst.
Most people consider their word choice very little. 'One word is as good as another,' they seem to think, 'as long it has the same basic meaning.' What difference does it make if you use big or large or huge? But for me, words have color and shade and nuance, and each word I use is chosen specifically and thoughtfully because it is the only word for that moment.
That doesn't mean that I spend hours selecting every word, even though I do it with care. On the contrary, I probably spend less time than most, because I am more specific with the meaning of my words. Only the one word will do, instead of having an array of verbal choices, so therefore, it's easier for me to spit it out.
I have been told over the years that I have a rather wide ranging vocabulary; that I know a lot of words. I have a good friend who once told me, very seriously, that she loved talking to me, because she always increased her vocabulary whenever we had a conversation. When we were young, my cousin would call me Miss Vocabulary. Every now and then she still makes me laugh, because she will tell me she has to get the dictionary to figure out what I am talking about. (I wanted to use the word "elucidate" there, but I restrained myself, because I didn't want to show off.... Which is another problem with verbal gymnasts, but now I am wandering far afield.)
This is not just pointless verbal meandering. I am compelled to write, to use words, to express and emote in print. Whether you enjoy it or hate it, I, a writer, am compelled to share it with you, a reader. As I have said before, you are not a writer if you never allow the reader to come in and join you at the table. Although it may seem that writing is one sided, you, the reader, respond by leaving the table or coming back for another helping. If you are partaking in my verbal feast for the first time, or you are coming back for another helping, welcome to the table. I hope we will have many more meals together.
