Since we don't have a regular blogger scheduled for today, I thought I would put up something funny--yet meaningful in some ways. (Tongue in cheek.)
(Number 6 should say, "Writers" not "Writes")
What do you think? Have any others to add? After years of editing, the one that comes to mind for me is, "Be careful of using too many descriptive, detailed, pointed, modifying adjectives and adverbs all together, separated by so many commas that your run on sentence can only be halted in mid-stride by a semi-colon; then, it plunges on down the mountain and around the curve toward the oblivion that it was destined for because no one can even remember or, by this point, care about what you were trying to relate in the first place."
I will say that two of the best writing books you can lay your hands on are The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, and the Little Red Writing Book by Brandon Royal. There are MANY more, but these are good to start with.
Pet peeves any one? It's your turn to talk about "Writing Good".
At one point during your descriptive sentence I felt like I was reading a novel from the 1800's. Whew, so pleased writing style has changed just a bit. I think that is why I enjoy the haiku style, just seventeen syllables to make your point. Now to get my regular writing...sigh. *Smile* Doris
ReplyDeleteDoris, I am glad, too--although, in the back of my mind, I sometimes think about that old writing style as being beautiful in its own way, and forcing us to read a little more slowly. LOL I love your haiku. I don't always comment on it, but you have some beautiful pieces that are very inspirational. If you would, share your url here so others can check it out.
DeleteCheryl
I would be honored to share. I am glad people are able to relate to these short ideas. Here is the url
Deletehttp://fivesevenfivepage.blogspot.com
Thank You. Doris
Thanks, Doris! These are just beautiful--you have such a way with putting them together and making them so thought provoking!
DeleteCheryl
Beautiful Haiku, Doris. I've never been any good at poetry and admire those who are. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteThank you Kristy. I fell into writing this form and it just felt right. Also I love taking the photos that I use with the haiku. Doris
DeleteI think, at one point, I've done all 10! I love alliterations--soap operas do it all the time when they name couples--Luke and Laura, Frisco and Felicia. Can you tell I watched General Hospital way back when? And prepositions at the end of a sentence drive me crazy, yet I still have a few here and there. I read a quote recently by author Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love superstar). I'm paraphrasing--work hard but it's done when it's good enough; striving for perfection is a form of ill-treatment. So, if a few alliterations or sentence-ending prepositions creep in, no reason to throw in the towel.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day ladies!
Alliteration is wonderful in my book, too, Kristy--in some cases. LOL Yes, who could forget Luke and Laura? I didn't even watch that show, but I remember them. I sometimes have prepositions at the end of my sentences, too, but I'm getting much better at getting rid of them the first time around. I like your quote. Sometimes, we can beat ourselves over the head so much about the small things that the big things (the story itself) loses because of it.
DeleteCheryl
I had to giggle a little at Kristy' s comment. If there's a mistake to be made, I've most likely made it. Since I'm living in my glass house, I'll let those stones stay put. God knows, I'll try to do better. LOL
ReplyDeleteOh, Sarah, haven't we all! And there's just no substitute for experience and learning as we go. I loved this little piece because of the funny way it reminds us not to do serious things in our writing. But, I believe we are all guilty of it. Which one of the classic writers was it that said he never changed or edited anything once he wrote it down? Was it Dickens? O. Henry? I can't remember, but I surely can't imagine it, either. What pressure! LOL
DeleteCheryl
Any time I send in a book with a title that doesn't have an alliterations, my editor at NAL sends me back to the drawing board. I'm really going to make him happy with the book that will be published in 2015, The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer.
ReplyDeleteLOL I can see that with the title--especially in that genre--it's catchy and memorable. I love that title, btw. It's gonna be a good one!
DeleteCheryl
My pet peeve would be endless paragraphs. For some reason they seem even longer on an e-reader.
ReplyDeleteYES. I hate that, too. It's really true that white space seems to make the reading go faster, isn't it?
DeleteCheryl
Well, I know I'm guilty of all of the above! I think I am improving. It's one heck of a learning curve though! I have bought the books you mention, am still in the middle of them, they are very good, and will definitely improve my writing even more. Thank you very much Cheryl!!
ReplyDeleteJill, they help everyone! I'm so glad you got them and are reading them. Even if some of it is stuff you already know, it's a great refresher for anyone.
DeleteCheryl