Diction.

"Unearthly calmness". How can one know what unearthly calmness is if we have never inhabited any other planet? What defines unearthly? Anything we have not seen, felt, touched, tasted, smelled, or heard before?

But then, would that be considered simply learning? How can one individual know everything that is on our planet before they can judge an expression as "unearthly"? Unless you are talking in terms of science fiction, which I personally am not fond of. Each to his own.

Using the term "unearthly" is nonsensical. It is simply a device some writers use to dramatize their characters when in actuality are making their readers confused. What if it isn't science fiction? Is the word " unearthly" supposed to suggest that the character is not actually from earth? Who is this author to say they know all about earthly calmness? That's pretty audacious. Readers don't like arrogant writers. This reader doesn't.

Why not simply say "disturbing calmness" or "unsettling calmness"? "Unearthly" suggests something unfamiliar, something uncomfortable. It has the same dramatic effect. An emotion I actually know. But as a reader I don't know what unearthly is supposed to mean. I have not experienced every possible emotion, seen every possible thing there is to see, heard every possible sound on this planet.

Word choice is my favorite aspect of writing. Well, writing is word choice. Subtle changes can completely redefine entire works, entire speeches, entire constitutions. Our own red-blooded constitution: "All men are created equal" has been an item of constant debate. What defines men? Who were considered "men" in 1776? Property-owning white people with male genitalia. Today? All 300 million people, regardless of color or anatomies.The term "men" has changed since the American Revolution. Had the Founding Fathers written "Property-owning white people with male genitalia" our entire history would have been different. Might have sparked some controversy. Diction is incredibly powerful.

To all my fellow writers: please don't use the word unearthly. Unless you are writing sci-fi. Use something we know what it means. It makes you look like an audacious prick who is attempting to sound intelligent. You are not fooling anyone.