Why words matter

I think at some point in our lives we've all heard a variation of the phrase, "Be careful what you say, your words matter." It gets old after a while. Yes, we all understand that our words matter, but there's a difference between knowing that in our heads and in our hearts.

For example, I may know that words matter, but I still might not proofread the email I'm sending to an interviewer. Or I may state whatever comes to mind. Or I might, still, use the same language in every single book that I write, making it overused and stale.

One of the most distinct memories I have about words is from middle school. It was the first time I wore eyeliner; I was so proud of it. I thought I looked great (this was the time when scene kids reigned) when in reality I probably looked more like a raccoon.

Regardless, I walked into school that day feeling awesome. I kept my head high, my eyes were poppin'. I stopped at my locker, like always, walked into my homeroom, sat beside my best friend and smiled.

She blinked. And with that inexpression she simply said to me, "What happened to your face?"

Instantly, I was self-conscious. I kept my head down for the rest of the day, I didn't want anyone to look at me. And I still remember it vividly because that simple sentence had such a big impact on my self-image.

Suddenly, I was aware that people were thinking about the way that I looked. They were passing judgements without my knowledge. The world opened up in a way that I didn't know was possible.

My best friend had singlehandedly changed my entire worldview because of one hurtful sentence.

With writing comes responsibility. The words we use matter from the simple ideal of wanting the best flow to how the words we say impact the reader.

I fully believe that we should write things that might be controversial, that might be raw and honest and full of feeling. But we need to approach those subjects with love and consideration that eventually someone might be reading them. And how do we want those words to impact our readers?

Words matter because we have no idea how a simple statement might drastically alter someone's life. And we have entire books. That's a lot of chances to open someone's eyes--in a good way.

We have a chance that few do to show perspectives that need to be shown. To give voice to those that don't have voices. To broaden understanding when one might be stuck in their own world.

So don't shy away from that opportunity, but face it head on. Just face it with all the care and attention that you hope others would give to you.

Happy writing,

Erin