I have been reading The Writer's Notebook: Craft Essays from Tin House [Tin House Books, 2009]. In an essay entitled "Le Mot Incorrect", Jim Krusoe explores the ways in which the wrong word can bring a piece of writing to life. The wrong word can make the writer and the reader suddenly pay attention and become more engaged.
About a year ago, I read a newspaper article about a suspicious death not far from my home. The article included details provided by the neighbors that were odd and seemed inappropriate. Though they did not contribute much to the story, they suggested a many-layered set of mysterious circumstances. The victim's roommate was "polite" and "drove a loud truck." The victim's style of dress suggested that he "liked to go clubbing." Inappropriate details? Sure. They contributed little to the report of events. Nevertheless, they made the story one to remember.
During a particularly icy night, the local television station televised on on-scene report. In the background, cars were moving at a crawl, colliding with each other, and sliding off the road. The reporter looked back at the mess and said, "It's so bad out here, I've run out of adjectives! Stay at home!"
About a year ago, I read a newspaper article about a suspicious death not far from my home. The article included details provided by the neighbors that were odd and seemed inappropriate. Though they did not contribute much to the story, they suggested a many-layered set of mysterious circumstances. The victim's roommate was "polite" and "drove a loud truck." The victim's style of dress suggested that he "liked to go clubbing." Inappropriate details? Sure. They contributed little to the report of events. Nevertheless, they made the story one to remember.
During a particularly icy night, the local television station televised on on-scene report. In the background, cars were moving at a crawl, colliding with each other, and sliding off the road. The reporter looked back at the mess and said, "It's so bad out here, I've run out of adjectives! Stay at home!"
