Author's Craft and Word Choice

Author's Craft and Word Choice

Author's Choice of Words and Author's Craft

Author's Choice of Words

• Definition: The selection of specific words by an author to convey a particular meaning, tone, or emotion in their writing.

• Examples:

  • "Gigantic" instead of "big"

  • "Whispered" instead of "said quietly"

Author's Choice of Words and Author's Craft

Author's Craft

• Definition: The techniques and strategies that authors use to create and enhance their writing.

• Examples:

  • Descriptive language

  • Dialogue

  • Figurative Language (similes, metaphors, personification)

  • Literary devices (alliteration, onomatopoeia)

  • Sentence structure

Multiple Choice

Based on author's voice (personality that comes through based on their word choice and structure), who could have written this sentence:

In the dim twilight of uncertainty, where the shadows of the unknown danced with the flickering light of hope, a lone figure stood, grappling with the enigma of their existence, yearning to unravel the secrets veiled by the fabric of time itself.

• Margaret Peterson Haddix

• Lois Lowery

• Jeff Kinney

• Pam Munoz Ryan

Why Author's Choice of Words and Craft are Important

Conveys Meaning

• Authors choose words carefully to convey specific meanings and ideas to the reader.

• Different words can evoke different emotions or paint different pictures in the reader's mind

Why Author's Choice of Words and Craft are Important

Sets Tone and Mood

• The choice of words and craft can establish the tone (the author's attitude towards the subject) and mood (the atmosphere or feeling created in the text).

• Example: Using dark, ominous language can create a suspenseful mood in a story.

Multiple Choice

Based on author's voice (personality that comes through based on their word choice and structure), who could have written this sentence:

As he navigated the treacherous halls of middle school, he couldn't help but wonder if surviving the cafeteria chaos would earn him a spot in the yearbook... or just another embarrassing moment to add to his collection.

• Suzanne Collins

• Lois Lowery

• Jeff Kinney

• Pam Munoz Ryan

Why Author's Choice of Words and Craft are Important

Engages the Reader

• Effective use of language and craft captures the reader's attention and keeps them interested in the story or text.

• Vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and creative language draw readers into the world of the story.

Why Author's Choice of Words and Craft are Important

Enhances Visualization

• Descriptive language and vivid imagery help readers visualize scenes, characters, and events in their minds.

• Well-crafted writing makes the story more immersive and enjoyable for the reader.

Multiple Choice

Based on author's voice (personality that comes through based on their word choice and structure), who could have written this sentence:

In the shadows of despair, where hope flickers like a dying flame, a lone figure emerges, her resolve as unyielding as the steel of her arrow, ready to defy fate's cruel hand in the name of survival.

• Suzanne Collins

• Lois Lowery

• Jeff Kinney

• Pam Munoz Ryan

Why Author's Choice of Words and Craft are Important

Develops Characters

• Author's craft, such as dialogue and character actions, helps develop well-rounded characters.

• Through their words and actions, characters come to life and become relatable to the reader.

Why Author's Choice of Words and Craft are Important

Adds Depth to Themes

• The author's choice of words and craft can deepen the exploration of themes and messages in the text.

• Symbolism, metaphor, and allegory are examples of craft techniques that add layers of meaning to a story.

Multiple Choice

Based on author's voice (personality that comes through based on their word choice and structure), who could have written this sentence:

In the quiet embrace of twilight, amidst the whispering winds that danced through the ancient olive groves, secrets of resilience and hope unfurled, woven intricately into the fabric of destiny's tapestry, as if penned by the hand of fate itself.

• Rick Riordan

• Lois Lowery

• Jeff Kinney

• Pam Munoz Ryan

Why Author's Choice of Words and Craft are Important

In Summary

• Author's choice of words and craft are essential elements of writing that contribute to the overall quality, effectiveness, and enjoyment of a text. By carefully selecting words and employing craft techniques, authors can convey meaning, set tone and mood, engage readers, enhance visualization, develop characters, and add depth to themes.

Multiple Choice

Based on author's voice (personality and choice of words), what musical artist matches these frequently used words:

love, heart, you, time, baby, eyes, dreams, tears, fire, forever

• Justin Beiber

• Taylor Swift

• Billie Eilish

• Dua Lipa

Multiple Choice

Based on author's voice (personality and choice of words), what musical artist matches these frequently used words:

Golden, sweet, lights, heart, sun, water, dream, love, high, home

• Harry Styles

• Kid Laroi

• Post Malone

• Miley Cyrus

Multiple Choice

Based on author's voice (personality and choice of words), what musical artist matches these frequently used words:

Heart, love, girl, truck, small, memories, road, party, dirt

• Tate McRea

• Morgan Wallen

• Harry Styles

• Olivia Rodrigo