This piece of advice is more than just knowing the difference between effect and affect. 

If you need help with that one, here's a great video from Grammarly to help you out. 

https://youtu.be/X0gI2QC27os

As I've mentioned in previous chapters, I see words as the building blocks or bricks of your story.  Depending on what you are building, you use different types of materials.  Same with words.  

Building a tense scene with potential for violence?  Your words need to reflect the world you are creating.  You should also choose your words wisely.  Because the right word really can make a difference. Ever start writing and you hit that perfect word and the flood gates open?  

Here's a few examples of where a different word would have made the line more a lightning bug than lightning.

"Luke, I am your dad." (Darth Vader)

"As you want." (Wesley)

"My favorite!" (Gollum)

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are alike." (Catherine)

"Happy Hunger Championships!  And may the odds ever be in your benefit." (Effie)

In my first book, the colour of my main character Ali's lipstick is not just red, it's ruby red.  The addition of the word ruby changed the imagery of Ali into a powerful, strong and slightly picky image. It also ended up the title of the book. Oh, and launched a series of colour themed stories.

What's your stories lightning word or words?