By Nancy Patrick

Glenn Dromgoole recently wrote a piece for Spirit of Abilene in which he expressed his enjoyment of reading personal essays in local newspapers (Sept. 27, 2024). As an old Abilenian, I recognized many of the names he mentioned.

Local newspapers used to be an important part of our lives. I always enjoyed reading my paper as I drank my coffee each morning and kept up with all the local news as well as sales at local merchants’ stores. And of course, reading obituaries and wedding announcements kept me informed about acquaintances’ lives and deaths.

With the advent of technology, including 24-hour news channels and social media, many people today have let their daily newspaper go the way of the landline phones. In many ways, I find the loss of those media sources a little sad. 

With national companies taking over so many local papers, fewer local contributors’ articles appear in print. This is why I appreciate websites such as Spirit of Abilene that focus on local news and publish local writers’ articles.

I taught English for over 30 years—every level from sixth grade through college. A large part of that curriculum was composition. Most of my students did not find writing as enjoyable as I did. The very idea of rough drafts boggled their minds. Why in the world would you rewrite what you just wrote? Surely, writing it over and over multiple times indicated a brain malfunction.

Effective writing includes so much more than a statement of facts. Writers identify their audiences and construct their articles in such a way as to influence their readers to their viewpoints. Choosing diction and syntax can greatly influence a reader’s perception and attitude.

I enjoy writing personal essays because writing provides a peaceful, therapeutic, and cheap way for me to process my thoughts. Although I never write to incite anger or offend anyone, I do hope that my perspectives provide food for thought for readers. 

In June of 2020, I wrote an article entitled “To Everything there Is a Time,” published in Spirit of Abilene. That piece addresses the delicate issue of how language fits into certain demographical regions of the country where a writer or speaker must choose diction and tone very carefully.

I found that teaching students about diction and tone was fun because it allowed me to show them the versatility and power of language. I used to give my students a paragraph with certain words highlighted for them to change to alternate words that may convey different tones and connotations.

Here are some words to consider when deciding specific diction: (1) plump/fat/obese/stocky (2) slow/stupid/challenged/learning disabled (3) beautiful/sexy/pretty/wholesome (4) kind/sympathetic/soft touch/gullible (5) angry/peeved/irate/mad.

These examples illustrate the influence a speaker or writer has when communicating. I wish people who have platforms from which to share their beliefs would consider their choice of words and tone when they begin to talk or write.

Diction is especially important in today’s world where people are so divided on a multitude of topics. These include Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Israeli-Hamas war that began in October 2023, the expanded war in the Middle East as vying countries flex their muscles in threatening poses, the horrific hurricane damage on the East coast, and the 2024 presidential election.

When I write about politics, I have to mind my manners and think carefully about my word choice and tone. I happen to hold minority beliefs in the political arena of West Texas, so if I want my words to be considered and respected, I have to craft them in logical, non-judgmental, and non-challenging sentences.

As I suffer watching the horrors of aggression and terrorism around the world, I realize that my heart takes me to unpopular stands within my community. I understand the importance of nationalism and patriotism, but I also tend to hold a more inclusive view of the world than many of my neighbors.

My heart bids me share what I have with others, regardless of nationality. I want to share everything. I find it difficult to enjoy my bountiful meals when I see so many people in need. 

One of the most fractious issues in our country today relates to the presidential race which seems to have divided our citizenry more sharply than any other time in my life. However, history records that past eras (slavery, suffrage) have been as divisive as this current one.

As I think of all these important issues, I realize that writing about them must be honest but not confrontational. Once we become angry and confrontational, we tend to lose our audience. 

I am grateful for our local venues such as Spirit of Abilene that provide writers an opportunity to express their differing attitudes in an environment of courtesy and respect.   

Nancy Patrick is a retired teacher who lives in Abilene and enjoys writing