what does "edgy" and "quirky" mean?

[Laurie PK]

Okay, the publisher finally called me today - they've had my book proposal for a year now - and they really like the book idea, but want me to rewrite my sample chapters to be more "edgy and quirky". They say my writing style is the tipping point between a contract offer or not.........!!!

What does "edgy" and "quirky" mean to you? How do I insert edginess and quirkiness? Where do I learn this in the next 4 weeks? How do I stop panicking and start thinking clearly?!?!

Actually, the last sentence was more of an exaggeration than anything, just for fun.

But seriously, do you have any examples of edginess and quirkiness? I think I know what they mean, but wouldn't mind some input from fellow writers..........your thoughts?

[otterman]

It suggests to me (not knowing what your proposal is about) that they want more personality to emerge from the writing - less academic and more an expression of personality or attitude. Edgy and quirky are often terms used to describe a style that pushes boundaries and draws readers in, the way someone with a distinct voice or eccentric way of viewing the world compels us to watch or listen to them.

[veinglory]

Edgy tends to mean a hint of the transgressive or dangerous but nothing explicit -- while quirky tends to mean something like 'idiosyncratic and fun'.

That's my take on it anyway... Edgy is a bit of a cliche these days.

[johnrobison]

I clicked the link on your profile and read some of your Suite101 articles. Reading them in light of the "edgy" comment . . . I think the writing style shown there is too dry; too factual. Not that you don't want to be factual . . . you just want it to be livlelier.

Take my book Look Me in the Eye, or one of my brother's books and read a passage from that, and compare it to those articles. To me, your articles are "drier." It's hard to explain better but both my brother and I have been called the things your publisher seeks from you.

Well, I hope that helps.

[Laurie PK]

Yes, I understand.......I need to show more personality, and include more "grabby" stuff. Due to its nature, my writing at Suite can't have a lot of personality - that's not what the editors want from me! That said, my quips and tips websites may be a little dry, too, and those are my own websites.

Thanks! This has already been helpful.....I'll add pizzazz and sparkle and hooks and jaw-dropping, provocative sentences...... no problem! (yeah right)

[veinglory]

Provocative is probably a good thought. Also humor or some kind.

[Laurie PK]

I wanted all these insights regarding edgy and quirky writing in one place, so I gathered them up --- and then decided this stuff was too good to keep to myself! So I put it on my website - I quoted some of you directly.......I hope you don't mind.......

http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/archives/72

[Higgins]

Edgy tends to mean a hint of the transgressive or dangerous but nothing explicit -- while quirky tends to mean something like 'idiosyncratic and fun'.

That's my take on it anyway... Edgy is a bit of a cliche these days.


I'm unable to offer any constructive advice, but I do offer some sympathy...in a way I think the demand for "edgy and quirky" suggests
a cultural milieu where some coolness is desired but everybody knows
cool isn't cool any more and...well...let's face it...how edgy and quirky are edgy and quirky? Perhaps a few vaguely "neato" pseudopersonal, pseudo-boomer cultural notes will do it as in, "I always thought I hated the little plastic images of Joey Bishop that decorated the Prudy Diner...but now that they are gone...I miss them a little."

[Bluestone]

I wanted all these insights regarding edgy and quirky writing in one place, so I gathered them up --- and then decided this stuff was too good to keep to myself! So I put it on my website - I quoted some of you directly.......I hope you don't mind.......

http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/archives/72

Wow! You did that so fast. From asking the question yesterday, to posting a comprehensive treatise on it today! I'd still be pondering and cogitating!

I'm writing a How To on Wine Importing, which could be very dry with all the Federal and State licenses, label approvals, container clearances, brand registrations... *yawn* So, I've attempted to spice it up with stories of my own travails in the industry, especially in the beginning when I knew nothing and no one told me anything either! I think interviews, your own experiences, humour and a unique perspective can all liven up even the driest material.

Good luck. Boy, a year is a long time to wait. I've been sitting on pins and needles for five months and feel as if it's forever.

[partmadman]

ask them what they think edgy & quirky means.
every single word we use means something different to everyone.