Blog 3827 – 05.15.2026

Finding The Right Word

Finding the right word is a task requiring far more writing and rewriting than it does inspiration. This is one of the best lessons that I have learned over the last fourteen years publishing this daily blog. Early on I had a young woman that I had known when she was a girl offer her services as proof reader and editor for a fee to insure that my blogs had a more polished look and were free of spelling and grammatical errors. I declined her offer, not just because of the additional cost, but because I believed that finding and correcting my own mistakes and polishing my on work would make me a better writer.

Writing is analogous somewhat to carpentry, In carpentry there are framers and there are finish carpenters. I wanted to become the later where the details and the finish really matter. At a young age I wanted to be a poet, to turn a phrase in a way that left a lasting impression on listeners and readers.

It is audacious to believe my thoughts, my words are worth being listened to much less or read and remembered. Some years ago when I had barely begun this blog, a long time friend and classmate referred to me as a word smith. As that had been my desire since I was a small boy I took it as the highest compliment. Writing is a trade that requires much practice to become proficient at and a skill that requires even more practice to stay sharp at. It is not so much like riding a bike as it is like riding a bike across a high wire where one is only as good as his last performance.

Word smiths and finish carpenters are sometimes recognized for being prolific and persistent, but only if their end product shows a craftsmanship and attention to detail that is note worthy.

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David James White