7 word and writing secrets by the greatest 20th century English language innovator
The greatest words and writing secrets by Virginia Woolf . 7 zingers for your writing
Woolf is considered one of the greatest innovators in the English language.
1. POWER WORDS: “When I cannot see words curling like rings of smoke round me I am in darkness—I am nothing.” Virginia Woolf
Susan McKenzie: In the beginning was the word says the Hebrew Bible – words are powerful – make sure your words work for you.
2. RIGHT WRITING: “The most extraordinary thing about writing is that when you've struck the right vein, tiredness goes. It must be an effort, thinking wrong.” Virginia Woolf
Susan McKenzie: In the day of the office, in the day of the internet we are all writers – let us all study what it takes to be the greatest writer.
3. DIGESTING WORDS: “She read everything.” Virginia Woolf
Susan McKenzie: Will anyone ever say that about you. They used to say that about one of my grandmothers. When you read you are reading the writing of others. Imbibe their spirit and message in your being when you read and you will understand so much more.
AGAIN THE POWER OF WORDS: “Nothing has really happened unless it's been described [in words].” Virginia Woolf
Susan McKenzie: The Chinese have a proverb – a picture tells a 1,000 words, but notice how all life is defined in words. Words define life. The beginning, the middle and the end are words. Helen Keller realized this too - that everything was defined by a word.
WE ARE ALL TEACHERS - “to teach without zest is a crime.” Virginia Woolf
Susan McKenzie: We are all teachers and you should go through life being a teacher. They may not call you a teacher, but teaching should be what you do best every day. What have you taught today? If nothing, find someone and teach something – even if you have to be teacher and student all wrapped up in one.
OUR CHOICE: “I do think all good and evil comes from words. I have to tune myself into a good temper with something musical, and I run to a book as a child to its mother.” Virginia Woolf, Congenial Spirits: The Selected Letters Of Virginia Woolf
Susan McKenzie: I have never been a fan of the idea that everything in our life is a choice but we do have some power of choice and one is the company we keep. When we need inspiration, we should choose our reading matter wisely. Am I reading you - yes we read other people when we listen to them to. Reading does not just mean the printed matter - it also means understanding.
STYLE MATTERS: “Style is a very simple matter; it is all rhythm. Once you get that, you can't use the wrong words. … Now this is very profound, what rhythm is, and goes far deeper than any words. A sight, an emotion, creates this wave in the mind, long before it makes words to fit it.” Virginia Woolf
Susan McKenzie: Develop your own style. Style is how you present your message and add life to your words. Style is the finished product – everything put together.
- Woolf is considered one of the greatest innovators in the English language. She is in this picture - can you guess?
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