The Writing Craft: Diction, Sequence, Structure

How Deliberate is our Diction?

Our word choice creates mood and tone. We don't just throw words together for our own amusement; we choose them so our audience understands what we mean. Sometimes, the meaning isn't even clear to us until we start writing and see the words on the page. But that's only half the battle. We also need to arrange those words for maximum impact.

For example, in creative non-fiction, we can use motifs—words repeated not just for emphasis, but for echo. We can build layers of meaning through careful diction. What do we want to highlight? Are we repeating ourselves without adding anything new? When we revise, we look for these redundancies. Do we need to get more creative with the repetition to get the reaction we want? Or should we just cut it altogether and say it once, powerfully?

How Logical is the Sequence of our Sentences?

Unless we're trying to write like Virginia Woolf (a lofty goal!), our ideas need to flow smoothly. Sentence length matters. Fragments can be powerful, but they need to be used strategically. Our opening sentence doesn't have to state the main idea, but the sentences that follow should build towards it.

Sentence order isn't always cause and effect. We can create rhythm, like breathing, using poetic language. Sometimes, sentences follow a time hierarchy, not just with clock time, but by pacing our thoughts like movement. Ideas can also be arranged spatially, reflecting our physical perception.

So, sentence sequence creates meaning. When we revise, we ask: Is this logical? What kind of logic is it? By understanding how our sentences connect, we strengthen our voice.

How Creative is our Outline or Structure?

Every piece of writing should leave ONE main impression. We might remember bits and pieces, but usually, one key idea sticks with us. If nothing sticks, there's a problem.

Our structure shows our creativity. Some writers make statements not just with what they write, but how they write it. This can be risky for new writers. Are our paragraphs just a jumble of confusing points? Remember, all writing is for an audience. When we look at our outline, can we guide our readers to our main points? Or will they get lost in the abstract structure?

Development Editing

If you're confident about your final draft, you don't need to show it to anybody. But if you need a thoughtful reader, your best bet is an editor.

Reading for Subject-Content Appreciation

What is the subject matter of your writing? How is this topic tackled and approached in related literatures?

Reading for Culture and Context Clues

What cultural highlights are visible in your writing? Did you write your biases with well-argued opinions?

Reading for Style and Originality

What style manuals helped your style in writing? What model writings did you find useful? How did they help you?