A Wiz at Words

. . . does not a great writer make.

A wiz is someone awesomely skilled in any field and most of us have at least one in which we’re pretty darn good, maybe even excel at.

But one could say that being skilled at plucking impressive sounding words from here, there, and everywhere to pad a novel makes one a wiz.  That must take a certain talent . . . or is that a need to appear learned?

I believe I’m a pretty darn good editor [and writer], but I also recognize that I’m always learning something new, be it a fact . . . or a word.

Having been around the block a few times—more than I will ever share —I believe I have a fairly keen eye.  There’s nothing more gratifying than “discovering” a skilled writer or gifted storyteller (there’s a difference).  One day, perhaps I’ll share reviews of some outstanding manuscripts/books I’ve come across, ones that will remain with me for years, they’re that good.  And enviable.  I’d love to have that flair, that genius.

I’m not sure what’s more dismaying: writers who never review their work (final product) or those who use a thesaurus to demonstrate how “literate” they are and use words [embarrassingly] incorrectly.  If someone is going to use a wordlist, they should also engage a dictionary, and ensure the word is used as intended.

On the other hand, if companies and publishers are no longer as discriminating as to how documents/books are written, can one then comment on or place blame for shoddy writing?  It keeps editors and proofreaders in business, which is fine (I love my job!) . . . but it compromises the meaning of the word “pride”.

Egos abound when it comes to artists.  And they are not “flimsy” or “spindly” but tend to be “fragile” or “frail”.  I have one myself, but it’s never so exaggerated or brash that I can’t or won’t listen to reason.  Sure, my feelings can be hurt (I’m very sensitive), but I won’t/don’t grow if I don’t heed advice and criticism (constructive as opposed to destructive is preferable).

Mentoring is something I’ve always enjoyed, and I’m willing (happy) to provide guidance when asked.  Sadly, few want it, but for the handful who do, thank you.   

Times, however, do change, and with them rules, regulations, outlooks, approaches, beliefs, and so forth.  Most are definitely for the better (!), and are a must, but some . . . ?  Food for thought and discussion.  Or maybe one honors this: “Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do or die.” A bit severe and a quote that has been incorrectly repeated over time (check it out), but maybe we don’t always question.  More food for thought and discussion.  

On that ending note,  I suppose it’s best simply to [continue to] go with the meandering course, instead of locomoting against the brawny current . . . er, go with the flow, instead of swimming against the current.