Um, so let's say English has it's basic rules right? So you at least have to follow those rules to get good writing. That's a given. Beyond that, it's subjective.
But I think writers in particular know what "good" writing is as compared to the general public. It's just something innate. It's about being able to paint a great picture, with your words and keep the reader engaged.
Also, I realized I haven't had caffeine in a week, and I'm losing my mind.
You haven't had caffeine in a week? I would die. I would seriously die.
I think you are right about it being something innate, because every time I try to put my finger on it I fail. Like, what you said about painting a picture. I agree that it is totally important to do that, but then when someone goes overboard and talks about every freaking detail in lush, overwrought prose, then I think that teeters right back into bad writing. So I guess an element of being a good writer is knowing when to trust your reader - and your writing - to be imaginative enough to get what it is you are trying to say.
it's an impossible question to answer because good is subjective and is not related to popularization or technique though either can come into play.
the only consistent notion i am guided by is art that is purposeful and art that is honest. in order for art to be honest it has to have purpose and that purpose must be honest. even then it is difficult to say because even our truths can be motivated by deceit.
the meaning of art is subjective but it always has purpose (duchamp said of the dadaist movement that anti-art is motivated by something even if it is disgust with all art) and when that purpose is honest in it's expression, that is what moves me.
Yes, I think honesty is a critical part of it. When something doesn't seem true, when it feels like the writer is lying to you about a character or an event - that just kills me. It's like, why even bother reading you if you are just going to feed me bullshit? I feel this way about fiction, too. Things can be fictional and fantastical while still being honest.
Of course, the problem is that there is a lot of writing out there that is honest that is also painfully bad. So I think style also plays a role. It can't all just be raw honesty.
Economy of motion with words. Cut out the dead wood. If it doesn't reveal character/advance plot, then seriously consider axing it. Especially with short stories/novellas.
Tension, release, tension, release.
Mind the story arc, always.
Vivid descriptors, sets the tone, makes it easier for the reader to slip into a suspended state of disbelief.
Tell the reader what is happening, not how to feel.
Be mean to your characters.
...off the top of my head.
I just took a creative writing class. I was skeptical but I actually learned quite a bit.
So you think a creative writing class is worthwhile? I have seriously been considering not bothering with a master's in journalism and looking at an MFA in writing. I am just worried because I don't think I could handle a class where I have to listen to a bunch of Junot Diaz-wannabes go on and on about tone and motivation or read a bunch of short stories that are trying deliberately to be edgy and offensive. I'd just like to find a way to work with other people who are serious about Writing rather than Being A Writer. Does that make sense?
I would recommend it. I mean, you obviously know how to write really fucking well already. No doubt on that. I understand your concerns on the class situation. However, with the right professor literature you will read will be engaging, and listening to a bunch of Junot Diaz wannabes is actually fun if you have the right attitude about it. (Read: captive audience to mock.) I just took two creative writing classes: poetry and fiction. I actually thought I had signed up for the fiction class, but it was poetry. I almost dropped, but then realized that it would help me be a better writer in the end. And, to my surprise, I was so into it I signed up for the same prof's creative writing class the next quarter. Or you can find a group of writers and share knowledge. I think you will find the latter really hard to be consistent with, and will get more out of a course of study. Also, lady, if you are EVER in the Seattle area you gotta look me up. I'd love to have facetime [pronounced FAYCE TAHM!] with you.
Comments 20
Reply
Reply
Um, so let's say English has it's basic rules right? So you at least have to follow those rules to get good writing. That's a given. Beyond that, it's subjective.
But I think writers in particular know what "good" writing is as compared to the general public. It's just something innate. It's about being able to paint a great picture, with your words and keep the reader engaged.
Also, I realized I haven't had caffeine in a week, and I'm losing my mind.
Reply
I think you are right about it being something innate, because every time I try to put my finger on it I fail. Like, what you said about painting a picture. I agree that it is totally important to do that, but then when someone goes overboard and talks about every freaking detail in lush, overwrought prose, then I think that teeters right back into bad writing. So I guess an element of being a good writer is knowing when to trust your reader - and your writing - to be imaginative enough to get what it is you are trying to say.
It's such a tricky balancing act...
Reply
the only consistent notion i am guided by is art that is purposeful and art that is honest. in order for art to be honest it has to have purpose and that purpose must be honest. even then it is difficult to say because even our truths can be motivated by deceit.
the meaning of art is subjective but it always has purpose (duchamp said of the dadaist movement that anti-art is motivated by something even if it is disgust with all art) and when that purpose is honest in it's expression, that is what moves me.
Reply
Of course, the problem is that there is a lot of writing out there that is honest that is also painfully bad. So I think style also plays a role. It can't all just be raw honesty.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Tension, release, tension, release.
Mind the story arc, always.
Vivid descriptors, sets the tone, makes it easier for the reader to slip into a suspended state of disbelief.
Tell the reader what is happening, not how to feel.
Be mean to your characters.
...off the top of my head.
I just took a creative writing class. I was skeptical but I actually learned quite a bit.
Reply
Reply
I mean, you obviously know how to write really fucking well already. No doubt on that.
I understand your concerns on the class situation. However, with the right professor literature you will read will be engaging, and listening to a bunch of Junot Diaz wannabes is actually fun if you have the right attitude about it. (Read: captive audience to mock.)
I just took two creative writing classes: poetry and fiction. I actually thought I had signed up for the fiction class, but it was poetry. I almost dropped, but then realized that it would help me be a better writer in the end.
And, to my surprise, I was so into it I signed up for the same prof's creative writing class the next quarter.
Or you can find a group of writers and share knowledge. I think you will find the latter really hard to be consistent with, and will get more out of a course of study.
Also, lady, if you are EVER in the Seattle area you gotta look me up. I'd love to have facetime [pronounced FAYCE TAHM!] with you.
Reply
Leave a comment