This advice has been given often and more compellingly elsewhere, but my specific piece of wrong procedure back then was, incredibly, to browse through the thesaurus and note words that sounded cool, hip, or likely to produce an effect, usually that of making me look good, without then taking the trouble to go and find out in the dictionary what they meant
In his book "Slow Learner: Early Stories," Thomas Pynchon shares a personal anecdote about his approach to writing, revealing a common mistake many writers make. He reflects on a time when he relied too heavily on a thesaurus to find impressive-sounding words, aiming to enhance his writing and impress others. However, he neglected to look up their actual meanings, leading to ineffective communication and a misunderstanding of his chosen vocabulary.
This admission highlights the importance of understanding language deeply rather than just superficially embellishing writing with complex words. Pynchon's experience serves as a reminder that genuine mastery of vocabulary stems from grasping the meanings behind words, which is crucial for authentic expression and clarity in writing.
