When you are writing, I'd suggest if you know what you want to say and can't figure it out exactly... go to thesaurus.com and look for a word. Don't look for the biggest most obtuse beast, because you'll end up with purple prose that doesn't flow correctly. Think of the tone/atmosphere you are setting and when you find a word feels awkward or doesn't fit the setting find something that flows with the writing better. In the end, diction really will make or break your writing.

Hope I helped as well. If you want more commentary as you continue I do get on time to time, feel free to PM me. If you think I'm just a lurker who logs to troll players with criticism... eh, kinda. Lol. But just trying to help the only way I know to, so feel free to tell me to go away if you don't like my input. =p