Welcome back for another deep dive into a ‘W’ word!

I love today’s word. It immediately brings to mind pride. The word is WORKMANSHIP.
It also makes me think of Dan Antion and his wood-working skills. Then there is this tarot card that depicts workmanship.

I love creating characters who take pride in their work and do a good job. But let’s look deeper into Workmanship.
The word ‘Work’ means putting forth effort. But ‘Workmanship’ equates to care + intention = pride.
In this modern world, craftsmanship seems to be fading. My late husband painted signs and when the digital age really took off, no one wanted hand-painted signs anymore. Still, it was a skill and he was good at it. Let’s face it. We live in a time when everything is immediate and mass production has taken the place of handiwork. Think about quilts, furniture making, handwritten letters, tools built to last decades and clocks. I seriously doubt there is a handful of clockmakers left around the globe.
In our writing world, workmanship can often make a difference between a mediocre book and a good one. Taking the time to carefully construct the stories, then meticulously edit them takes a certain skill set and a whole lot of pride in our work.
Workmanship shows up as:
- reliability
- follow-through
- integrity
- patience
- pride in small details
The best workmanship often goes unnoticed:
- The editor behind the book
- The proofreader who catches the typo
- The coder behind the website
- The parent who packs the lunch
- The friend who shows up every time
I’ll close out with this quote:
Talent starts the journey. Workmanship finishes it.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Workmanship. Let’s chat!
Jan, a beautiful tribute to Workmanship! All crafts need to be celebrated and although some are on the wane I feel the day will come again when truly gifted arts, workmanship skills are celebrated and treasured. I smiled at your addition of ‘The friend who shows up every time’ under the list of unnoticed ones – how true and a gentle reminder of the vast array of workmanships in our society. Let’s look out for them more and acknowledge the richness they give us in our lives.
Workmanship makes the completed project more precious. I can’t imagine feeling the same way about an AI-produced item.
That is SO true, Priscilla. Who could take pride in something created by a bot? Thank you for stopping by today!
I agree with you totally. Workmanship and pride in doing something has disappeared. We have to work harder in order to get our stories out that come from the heart. That’s something AI cannot and probably will never get is what comes from the heart naturally. I’m always struck by the fact that things that come about using computers never lasts. Take refrigerators, TVs, washing machines don’t last more than a few years. When workmanship was involved those things lasted a good 20 years or more because they were built well. The appliances I have now do not run by computers but my TV does and I’ve had to replace it every two years. Makes me so angry that we’ve strayed so far away from these things. I hope you feel better, Sister. Much love.
I couldn’t agree more, sister. Things are not built to last these days. And AI cannot replicate creations from the heart. It’s because it doesn’t have a heart. 🙂 Thank you so for stopping by and leaving a comment. Love you!
It actually feels good, doesn’t it.
Yes, it does, Jacqui. Thank you for dropping by!
I like your analogy of workmanship and the writing process. Rewriting and focusing on detail is the same approach that a skilled woodworker uses.
It’s true, Pete. When writing, we strive to get our stories the best we can. Much like a woodworker chisels on a piece until he gets it right. Thank you for stopping by!
Great word of the day. I should try to do something crafty before heading to the airport.
Go for it, Craig! Thanks for stopping by!
Workmanship is important, requires skill development, and different skills are needed for different works.
So very true, Tim. I’m happy you stopped by and left a comment!
😍
Great word, Jan 🙂 Sonething a good book comes from. Xo
So true, Denise. I’m glad you enjoyed today’s word!
That’s so well said! Yes, the people in the front (like singers and actors for examples) do a great job, but there are many in the background that made it possible for them to shine their talent. Two weeks ago, my former vocal coach died. Thinking back, I must say that everything I achieved originated in his teachings and support.
What a poignant thought, Erika. I’m so sorry your vocal coach passed away, but I love that you can recognize your achievements through him/her.
Absolutely! He was extremely supportive and pushed me to overstep my comfort zone over and over again. It helped me to know how I can trick my fears.
Hi Jan, I think there is still a big handmade quilting fraternity but you are right about handcrafts dying out. Even a lot of art is now done digitally.
Almost all handi-crafts have been replaced with a machine. I love hearing there is still a handmade quilting fraternity. That would be so much fun. Thank you for stopping by!
I love that quote. I think in the modern age workmanship takes on a different meaning. Like the guy doing computer code that allows technology to advance. Maybe the nurse or doctor who saves a life could be viewed as exhibiting good workmanship. I could go on but enjoyed this word today.
Thank you for adding your thoughts, John. I agree that in our modern age, workmanship has taken on a whole new meaning. You listed some great examples!
This is a great word. I’m working through formatting and editing right now, so I am particularly mindful of workmanship. There are so many details that make it work. Thank you for the lovely essay about it, Jan.
Thank you for visiting, Marsha. Yes, editing is definitely a form of workmanship. Good luck!
Thanks. I finished phase one. Now for the real editors. 🙂