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by April Boyer



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Words remain one of the most effective tools a writer can possess. How do you find the words that work? There must be thousands of websites that want to teach you which words to use to successfully sell most anything you please. So why shouldn't you use the best words you can find in selling your story?


Words don't need to be the $12 variety in order to get ideas across. In fact, editors will tell you that less is more, and that clear language is best. However, the words you use can be wholly dependent on the reader you hope to target. If the story is the kind to appeal to readers who will use and feel comfortable with common language, use common language. If the reader you are hoping to attract is the type who will read more difficult words, than those are the ones you can thread through your story or article. In some instances, a challenge is called for. Write with words that will cause the reader to stretch and learn. Another consideration is to use the language that will make your character(s) most believable. A high school student making his way selling hamburgers is not likely to use the language a college professor uses. A coal miner does not usually use the same vocabulary as a Heisman trophy winner uses.


Increasing your vocabulary is a sure way to have all the right words at your disposal. In addition, it is helpful to have a base knowledge of the origin of the words, how they are pronounced and how to use them in a line of text. Spelling can make all the difference in the meaning of the word and how it fits in the context.


Some words have the ability to encourage, motivate or endorse. Others have the strength to destroy and undermine. If in doubt, search them out. Experts suggest that you steer clear of condescending remarks.

There are so many tools available to help the writer shine. Resource tools that include books, workshops, seminars, and conferences are only the beginning. Instructional cds and dvds are now available, as well as webcasts on the internet. Tele-conferencing has become a more popular tool with authors/ instructors who want to limit their travel time and expense. In addition to all of these, there are now many software programs that are useful tools in a variety of ways. "Writers Dream Tools" "Fifty Tools" "Writing Tools" "Poynter's Tools" "Useful Web Tools for Writers" "Google Books " "Why Stories are the Elemental Tool"

Be sure that the language you are using fits the setting and situation of your story. Editors advise that you limit your usage of words that are exclusive to a particular culture, including the ever-changing language of our youth, and those words exclusive to technology. There are incidences where these are appropriate, but when the words are more like expressions they may be difficult to read or understand.

There are countless sources for adding to your vocabulary. The first that may come to mind is Reader's Digest's "It Pays to Increase Your Word Power".

Others include:
Rice is donated to feed the world's hungry for every right definition offered.

Word Smith

Comprehensive Merriem Webster dictionary

Word of the Day

Word Lover's Dictionary

Word Daze Blogspot


How would you use these words in a story or article that average reader?

CONATION (ko-NAY-shun) noun--an inclination or drive to act purposefully.

DIVAGATE (DIH-vuh-GATE) intrans. verb--to wander about or stray from one place or subject to another.

Tips for building your vocabulary include using a thesaurus to change words in your articles, playing word games, stretching your vocabulary out loud, and broadening your interests through reading and listening to current events.

Prayer remains the most powerful tool a writer has at his disposal. In our busy, frantic world, it is sometimes difficult to stay focused. Your children may be calling, your housework beckons, your mind wanders to tasks undone. A prayer journal is one way that helps you stay attentive to what you need to say to God. What He has to say to you will come through in scripture reading and meditation. The quiet time is made possible because your thoughts come alive on paper, as God speaks back to you through this "power" tool.

Merriam Webster New Words describes new words from our technical world we can use, like: mouse potato ringtone spyware


Others may be only understood by the techie. (technology expert) "Baseband which refers to the frequency range of a transmission signal before it is converted or modulated to a different frequency range. " http://www.techterms.com/

These words identify processes becoming more frequent in our society:

Biometric Identification
Nanotechnology.
When it is appropriate to use such language is dependent on your story. Again, limit their usage, but adding them from time to time adds flavor.


Words can be used in a playful way. Our constantly developing technology demands new vocabulary to describe the new inventions and methods of using them almost to fast to keep up. Though timing may be crucial in order to use such language in novel writing, it can work in high turnover journalism. In publishing articles for magazine, news and the internet, your words can be here today, and gone tomorrow.


Words such as these below could squeeze their way into your story, but may be more appropriate in comic book material!

Phonesia (fo-knee-zhuh) n. The affliction of dialing a phone number and forgetting whom you were calling just as they answer.

Aquadextrous (ak-wa-deks-trus) adj. Possessing the ability to turn the bathtub tap on and off with your toes.

Lactomangulation (lak-to-man-gyu-lay-shun) n. Manhandling the "open here" spout on a milk container so badly that one has to resort to the 'illegal' side.

Vam World


Words are the perfect power tool for writers. Using them in the correct way adds depth, charisma and fun.

April Boyer is a free lance writer in mid Ohio, wife, mother of two and Gramma Apple to two precious gems. She has published more than 47 articles in regional and national magazines and newspapers, and additional devotionals in e-zines. She is the retired founder and director of the 6-year old Ashland Area Christian Writer's Guild, and has printed a handbook, How to Establish a Christian Writer's Group, available for sale through her website http://aprilboyer.com. Pages on the website include writing services, writer's tips, encouragement, inspiration and a Bible study. Please mail requests or questions to April through her website contact .
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Visit me at my "Faith and Unfinished Business" blog