Keep practicing.
Janey gave me a writing technique book to read called Techniques of the Selling Writer. At first I thought, geez, what a dry, formal, pedantic read--but I quickly got over it. It was written nearly forty years ago, and writers have since then lightened up. But that was only the first chapter. In chapter two, the pace quickened and the advice was golden. I especially liked the section on the use of the word "had." The book advises to avoid this evil word at all costs, because it slows the pace if only for a jarring instant, taking the reader out of the now. I put the book down and reviewed my short story and counted around ten offenses--and I smiled. I learned something.
I'm also reading All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg. I haven't gotten very far, because my time is limited. What was that old saying? If you chase two rabbits you catch none? I can't help myself. Bragg is amazing. His recollection of the tiniest detail is humbling. It's no wonder he was a writer for the New York Times. The book is a memoir, homage to his mother who raised him in the harshest of impoverished conditions. I don't know much more about the book, but my initial reaction is that Rick Bragg has an unpretentious, easy-to-read style that invites the reader to read on. He comes from a humble background, and has risen to the top despite all roadblocks that would stymie the average person.
14 comments:
I keep meaning to finish this book. I started reading it months ago, put it down then ... well ... you get the drift. I DID finally finish the Maass book. I'll prolly get to Swain's book sometime next week. And I agree with you. It is truly a great book.
Tanya
I think I've read chapter 3 four times now, although I haven't finished the book yet. Every time I read it, I figure out something new!
Maybe someday I can do this for a living and have the best of both worlds.
Me too. I'd love to write for a living and have more time to blog. I really do miss having the time to go to everyone's blogs. I keep falling behind and hate having to rush responses.
As for "had," I use "had" all the time. Shoot, that's good advice and I think I'll work on it.
i'll try and check these out.
I've seen the Swain book - but I don't thing I've seen the Bragg one. I'll give a look see after the holidays.
Tanya - I must be on the right track if you are reading the same books!
Joely - It's funny that you mention chapter three. That's where I am too, and I get the feeling that every third point or so is lost on me. So I too will be reading it and getting more each time. I like his approach, which uses psychology instead of gadgetry to hook the reader.
Janie - Now I know why you think so Janie. Rick Bragg--yeah.
Toast - You won't regret it!
Eve - I think you would enjoy the Swain book for sure.
The Bragg book sounds good. I might have to think about picking it up. I've been more into memoirs lately, I'm starting to subscribe to the belief that truth is more interesting than fiction.
Zombie--
I can relate to the rushed blogging syndrome. I have to squeeze in time during Andy's infrequent napping schedule and hosework.
meh.
Hmm, maybe I should check out that book. "had" can be a pretty bad word. However, I almost always use past-tense....
Another must-read for writers is Ken Smith's Junk English. It follows in the footsteps of The Elements of Style but is more upbeat, with great examples.
Maybe I should try my hand. Thanks for the review Scott.
Glad you are getting to read Bragg. I love his imagery, plus I related really well to him because we grew up in the same area, same time except I wasn't as poor as he was. But so much of what he says about the South, the people, lifestyles like "dinner on the ground" is so true. Plus, he is just as funny and entertaining in person as he is in books.
I read a book about writing once and I only remember two things from it: try more to show the reader, don't just tell; and there is nothing "very" about the word "very." (That last rule I ignore all the time, but I understand it.)
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