Nov 30, 2008
I want every word to count. Or maybe that’s too picky…how about every sentence?
When rewriting or editing, I want each sentence to impel the content and improve the effect.
If it doesn’t, what’s it for?
* * * * *
© 2012 Abuyo. All rights reserved.
I am an old man, and it took me longer than you to figure it out, but I think you are exactly right.
drtombibey.wordpress.com
Hmmm, the wonder of Nature that springs from the Spirit of God is both in every molecule, concise and yet extravagant beyond our comprehension. Knowing truly when to use which is I suppose the miracle of inspiration.
I want every word to count, too. When they all count I want to pay attention and I’m rewarded for doing so.
this is why i love poetry, but also why the idea of writing a novel paralyzes me.
You remind me of one of my favorite poems:
Here’s something I learned from my English teacher years ago: Write in white heat. Edit in cold blood.
“If it doesn’t, what is it for?”
…Well, judging by certain books I’ve read in the past, it’s for adding some more distance between the front and back covers.
Getting from the previous sentence to the next less quickly … which can be useful. But in that case, I suppose it’s improving the effect
What’s it for? If you’re a student with a 3,000 word essay due, it’s for padding; it’s for filler; it’s for appearances.
(Hey, I hit the 22-word reply dead on again!)
To cut the reader a break so he can process what you just said. Sometimes a reader can get swamped.
I think a good writer is willing to get rid of the unecessary–but sometimes it’s so hard! You fall in love with your own words and vanity and pride make it oh so hard to hit the delete key.
I appreciate a writer who’s willing to sacrifice even the best sentences and phrases for the sake of clarity and the overall finished work.
Flavor.
good point. i like it. why take a book to say something that could be said in 4 words….?
kudos, mr piper, kudos.
I don’t think you’re picky at all, but if you are, then I must be picky to, because I tend to do the same thing when I write. In fact, I can’t even begin to count how many times I edit something before I send it to the editor or post it on my blog. I think this habit only makes us great writers… or maybe to some, picky. Either way, at least it shows it our content, right? ;)