Today Mary Flynn posted a piece for Florida Writers Association titled https://floridawriters.blog/no-puffy-clouds-no-twinkling-stars/o Puffy Clouds, No Twinkling Stars discussing being a better writer and the words we choose. Writing is a craft and several good reminders were highlighted.

She confessed “Google is my friend” and that she no longer uses a Thesaurus. 

“May attention,” I said to self. Well known successful authors are changing their ways. Perhaps you need to embrace this changing world.

However, I have little patience for pop-ups, and my old eyes and shaking hands refuse to type fast. I strike a key accidently that brings a cyber-world of advertising for a product I’ve purchased and leaves me feeling befuddled.

I love my Thesaurus and the tedious task of going down the path to a better word. I purchased the book for ten dollars at Abraxas, a used book store on Beach Street in Daytona Beach. The owner James Sass is quite a character and every inch of space in the store is taken up with books.

So, I got to thinking. What if I did kill someone for speeding around me on the exit ramp of LPGA Blvd. I’m too lady like to give them the finger when we are side-by-side at the light but I might follow them home and accidently ram their car. That would be premeditated murder and the argument that I googled murder many times as a writer tossed aside. I’d be portrayed a murderous person or slayer.     

Roget’s Thesaurus is were I searched for similar words for murder, and was directed to subtext, 308.1 where I found a full page of alternatives beginning with; homicide, killing, slaying, slaughter, butchery, throttle, choke, etc., and ending with condemn to death.

The choices are endless and many words brought back memories, i.e., my mother said throttle frequently during my childhood. Understandably, there were eight children.

* * * Claudia Just Saying

If you are looking for a great summer read, I would recommend Morningside Drive.