Word Games Benefit Writers—Judith Lawrence

The other evening, I watched the game show, Jeopardy, as I often do. One of the clues was to do with the word quaint. I can’t remember now whether it was the clue or the answer. However, I discovered that the word quaint originally meant wise or cunning; now we use this word to mean old-fashioned or daintily odd.

I believe that writers can benefit from watching such TV shows. Far from being a waste of time, they can expand a writer’s vocabulary and knowledge. Reach for the Top, Jeopardy, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire can bring us a wealth of information. I often find myself saying in surprise, I didn’t know that!

Crosswords and other word puzzles can also be helpful to writers, whether in their ability to expand our general knowledge or to increase our attention to correct spelling, even if that spelling is in the American form of English and not the Canadian.

Game shows that emphasize general knowledge may also spark writing ideas, such as the one that sparked this blog topic. Writers need to keep their wits about them and always be on the look out for writing topics; they should also have paper and pencil at hand in order to write down the idea when it presents itself.

We should never rely on our memories to hold the great idea until it comes time to write the article, story, or blog. As easily as an idea is given to us, it can just as easily fly away out of our grasp.

I wish you many happy hours of writing and gathering of fruitful ideas, as well as plenty of paper and sharp pencils with which to write.

© Judith Lawrence

Author of Glorious Autumn Days: Meditations for the Wisdom Years; and Grapes From The Vine, Book of Mystical Poetry. Both available at www.lulu.com

Author of Prayer Companion: A Treasury of Personal Meditation, available at Chapters and www.pathbooks.com

Web Site: www.judithlawrence.ca