Dear Friend,
Finding just the right word can be important. Or seemingly impossible. Or an imposition.
Since I’ve started writing a new book, I’ve pondered every word choice. My husband glanced at the title I’d chosen and the main character’s name. He didn’t like them.
“Too bad. The character is Randy, and I named the book Randy’s Dilemma. Randy has choices and he can’t decide between two things that will change his life forever. That seems like a dilemma to me,” I said.
He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, as if to say, “Women!”
If I hadn’t shooed him away, I know he would have launched into a rant about Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.
And my response would have been, “How do you know? You never read the book.” (Which would have been just like the author John Gray’s premise, men don’t appreciate women trying to change them, and pushing them to read, especially for self-help!)
I don’t agree with the assertion that men, all men, don’t like to read. But reading Men Are from Mars would be against the general approach men I’ve known would take. Read a self-help book? No way.
I avoid generalizations. Being branded a woman is not wrong in my case, but the thought that every woman would agree with a certain attitude or approach to life bothers me.
I consider myself an individual with my own way of thinking. If I agree with other people, so be it. But I’ve come to the conclusions after I’ve considered the options.
And I digress. . . Back to words.
I remember several times when one word made a big difference. Purchasing a house, the officials misspelled my name. My husband said, “Don’t worry about it.” I didn’t worry about it, but each month when I signed the mortgage payment check (back when people used checks), I had to sign my name wrong! (I should have guessed that marriage wouldn’t last!)
Another real estate snafu for a different house involved putting the wrong city for the home’s location. I insisted they correct that at the house closing.
Words do make a difference!
As you consider enjoying one of my books, know that if you leave a comment to let me know what you thought after reading it, I will read every word.
Words matter!
PS As we’re nearing Valentine’s Day, perhaps you’d like to consider a gift of one of my romance books for someone you love, including yourself. If you ask, I can recommend which one of my books would most likely please them or you.
Happy Reading!
