DennisB
Banned
I agree with Katie and Beth on "clunky" writing. I would invite readers to look at the self-published books, and how so many are made up of short, choppy sentences. It quickly becomes iambic pentameter... sing-songy, like a dopey '80s tune you can't get out of your head.
And how many begin with a short sentence designed to shock or intrigue? Like "It was raining the day I attended my funeral." Yes, that does pique my interest, but that interest is dampened by the fear that the author is going to spend a great deal of time trying to shock or astound me with short, terse sentences.
I also think that many "bad" writers haven't learned the balance between showing and telling. Sometimes you want to show, other times telling works quite well.
Balance is a critical component of good writing. Many writers overuse tags and make them a burden to the reader (i.e. "She opined," "he exclaimed") while some never use them and the reader becomes confused as to who is talking.
I don't totally agree that the reader must not be aware of the writing. I believe we read the greats in part because we are delighted (or at least entertained) by their style.
And how many begin with a short sentence designed to shock or intrigue? Like "It was raining the day I attended my funeral." Yes, that does pique my interest, but that interest is dampened by the fear that the author is going to spend a great deal of time trying to shock or astound me with short, terse sentences.
I also think that many "bad" writers haven't learned the balance between showing and telling. Sometimes you want to show, other times telling works quite well.
Balance is a critical component of good writing. Many writers overuse tags and make them a burden to the reader (i.e. "She opined," "he exclaimed") while some never use them and the reader becomes confused as to who is talking.
I don't totally agree that the reader must not be aware of the writing. I believe we read the greats in part because we are delighted (or at least entertained) by their style.