by compound complex 17 Replies latest watchtower scandals
- CoCo: I was always a little grammar nitpicker. Get paid for it now.
The thing that really intrigues me is that all the really good writers break all these rules all the time and do it with impunity. Their prose if the better for it.
But it's clear that they KNOW the rules and only break them for really good dramatic reasons.
Thank you, Oubliette, for your observations.
Your comment about writers' breaking of rules is not altogether incorrect; however, your position that all the really good writers break all these rules all the time might be an overstatement. The basic rules of grammar, syntax and spelling are, of course, a prerequisite of good writing. An author's established style, too, comes into the literary picture. Consider the differences between Faulkner and Hemingway.
I agree that a so-called rule (many have altered over time) may be broken and, thereby, a dramatic effect is achieved. Nonetheless, it has not appeared in my reading that they do it all the time.
Your posts are appreciated. I enjoy your own good writing!
CC
Madeleine L'Engle broke several conventions in A Wrinkle in Time. She taught writing classes as part of her mission and insisted that one must know them to break them in good order. She felt it should be a conscious decision, not a "I'm too lazy to research the correct rule" moment.
Thank you, Band, for enlightening me.
When I first read Amy Tan, I was amazed -- happily so -- by her quirky style. Love it!
Yes. Know the rules, then break them. In editing, I'm grateful for Google and its drop-down lists. They make necessary research a breeze.
Gratefully,
CC
It's probably better, in my opinion, not to break the rules unless it's very significant to the story. That said, some of the rules are awkward, like not ending a sentence with a preposition. Trying to follow that rule all the time results in some very stilted sentences.
CoCo: You're right of course. I was obviously exaggerating when I said "all." Damn hyperbole.
I would say I stand corrected, but I'm sitting down.
I, too, am seated, Oubliette!
The more I learn, the less I know!
Thanks so much for contributing!
Overuse of screamers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CC!
I'm not for stilted either, Hortensia. A bunch of my old stuff is, but I did it on purpose.
BTW: there are obvious differences between dialogue and narrative. To employ convincing regional speech patterns and word usage are challenging. So easy to bomb if the writer has no feel for or sense of the local jargon. Narrators, on the other hand, can be omniscient or unreliable. What a position to occupy!
The writer must be both clever and capable . . .
CC
