I’ve always been interested in etymology: the history of words, their origins, and how their form and meaning have changed over time. When writing any period piece, whether a 14th century historical script or a novel taking place in 1950’s United States, I research words to discover if they’ve entered a cultural lexicon or the world at large. Accuracy in word choices is crucial to telling a story well.
I believe we can be defined by words, even the names we are given. My name, Anthea, is a Greek word that means “like a flower.” I’d like to think, like a flower, I’m sensitive yet strong enough to survive a blizzard in my life! Imagine spring’s earliest blooms, daffodils, that appear like yellow trumpets heralding new life breaking through the earth. And then a late winter storm buries them, but somehow they survive and show their brilliance as the snow melts.
And then there are words that are hurtful when we misjudge or speak out of anger. Oh, am I guilty of that one! Can they be taken back? Only by a forgiving heart and our willingness to offer an apology. Kind words are healing. They bring joy to the heart! Some words have a built-in smile! My favorite words tend to be monosyllabic: joy, peace, love, hope, pray. These are words that lift my attitude no matter how despondent I feel at a given moment. And then there are words that work on the power of suggestion: cake, pizza, chocolate, cheese, candy, anything that elicits sensory pleasures. We all have words that sound harsh or dipleasing to our ears! High on my list is the word “turgid.” The sound alone is off putting.
Language is like music without instruments. In college I studed “Speaking Shakespeare” and our instructor drilled into us that Shakespeare’s words have their own lyrical sense so don’t overplay them. She insisted that we don’t have to act out Shakespeare, just give each word its integrity and everything will flow. I learned lots about simplicity and cherishing each word of William Shakespeare and letting his poetry speak as I portrayed different characters.
And now I hope that the words that tell my stories will inspire and delight you. Every author finds his or her voice by writing and rewriting. It’s an innate quality, the writer’s voice, but the actual skill of writing can be honed and improved upon. We all tell stories, fact or fiction, whether in a book, on a stage, or around the dining room table with family and friends. Storytelling is central to our human experience and words are the essential communicator!
My plan is too add a blog posting to my author webiste on a montly basis. I’m currently editing Book 2 of “The Miriam Chronicles” so that’s my first priority, and I ask for prayers and good wishes for a successful submission to my editors!! Oh, before I leave, I have discovered my new favorite two syllable word: Honey!! The word works on every level, and I’ve recentely become enamored and slightly obsesses about raw honey and its many health benefits.
If you feel inclined, please post your favorite word, general audience or G-rated, if you will!!