For inspiration, fascinating insight into how a master wordsmith works, and sheer delight, check out "The Writing Life: Draft #4" in the April 29 New Yorker:
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/04/29/130429fa_fact_mcphee
I have to say I don't really agree with him about using a thesaurus (he's agin it), though.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/04/29/130429fa_fact_mcphee
I have to say I don't really agree with him about using a thesaurus (he's agin it), though.