Writing: when good enough is good enough
November 6th 2008 02:47
We have looked in previous postings at some of the characteristics of high-end literature. In terms of rules and definitions it can be anarchic: the emaciated prose of Hemingway, the opulent writing of Atwood and the chaotic creations of Joyce are all, by popular acclaim, worthy of the highest accolades of literature. So what can we learn from this in terms of rules of good writing? At first sight very little. At first sight we are given an overwhelming impression of vastly different styles adding up to the same thing: literary merit. Come up with a unifying definition of great literature from this sort of evidence? Might as well try to build a house from moonbeams and quicksand.
The first point is that we don't all have to write like this. Let's not confuse great writing with effective writing. The first is for those who would fling aside Flaubert's cracked kettle and aim to move the stars to pity. The second is for those who wish to communicate a message with clarity or a tell a story without losing their audience.
The second point I would make is that it does prove one thing: in aiming for the heights of literary merit, we should all follow our hearts. Even if you could emulate Margaret Atwood, what is the point of reaching that particular mountain top second?
To be a great singer you need an exceptional voice and ear. You are either born with them or you're not. To be a great writer also requires an exceptional voice and ear. This is metaphorical: a writer's voice is her skill with the written form of a language. A writer's ear is his ability to make language "sing" (for more on that, see here and here).
However, unlike even a reasonable singer, who is born with the basic prerequisites of that ability, the skills of effective writing can be learned. For the first step along that path, you could go here. Once those skills are understood, the next step, to exceptional writing, is not so great.
There are some simple truths which can help. Consider these points about even the finest of literary offerings:
-- The best way to convey complicated ideas is to use plain words
-- The best way to convey any ideas is to use plain words
-- The best way to confound, confuse and lose your audience is to use long words
Understand that, and you may find yourself walking across quicksand by holding onto moonbeams.
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Comment by Janet Collins
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Janet Collins Blog
-- The best way to convey any ideas is to use plain words
Also his way of talking to his audience as one of them rather than talking down to them is a good way of communicating too. Good oration is just like good writing - you don't want to sound like you are preaching.
Comment by Chris Champion
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Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
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I believe that the best writers are born with a natural talent; you can be a good writer without it, but to be a great writer you need to have something that not all people have, and I believe you are born with that.
But it's an interesting post.
~Dianna
Comment by Chris Champion
LettersToNorm
moneywhither
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But ... ? Not buts about it Dianna, I agree with you completely. And the aim of the post was to make just that point - although in re-reading, I see the point was made perhaps less clearly than it could have been.
It's not the first time I have tripped slightly in mixing my enthusiasm for two distinct subjects: great writing and effective writing. One is the stuff of genius. The other is something to which we can all aspire.
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
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Definitely. Though perhaps how the literary critics measure greatness is not the best.
~Dianna