When a man begins to write it is like discovering words for the first
time. Each word as it appears on paper takes on a fresh meaning, a
literal meaning that is often un-noticed when dropped from the lips in
careless conversation.... To convey spoken ideas is very simple. If
you don't know the exact words, a gesture will sometimes take the
place of the word you need, and the listener will get the gist of your
idea. But on paper the exact word is needed....
-- Charles Willeford. The Woman Chaser (112)