Lose the Abstractions!

Writing well means the reader or listener can see, smell, touch, taste or hear what you are describing. Love is a mighty abstraction, describing the smell or feel of your mother's skin when you were little is concrete and easily understood by most. Loyalty, honor, anger, these are all words that sweep across speeches and novels but when you turn them into  story, the dog that won't leave the sick person's bedside, the refusal to agree with a bully at a party, the taste of copper in your mouth, you will convey the truth you seek immediately. Stay away from abstractions. These words mean something different to everyone. Go deep, go deeper, use your memory and dreams. Don't struggle to be profound, be honest.