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 A tentative blog to test the temperature. |
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Ten years ago I was writing several blogs on various subjects - F1 motor racing, Music, Classic Cars, Great Romances and, most crushingly, a personal journal that included my thoughts on America, memories of England and Africa, opinion, humour, writing and anything else that occurred. It all became too much (I was attempting to update the journal every day) and I collapsed, exhausted and thoroughly disillusioned in the end. So this blog is indeed a Toe in the Water, a place to document my thoughts in and on WdC but with a determination not to get sucked into the blog whirlpool ever again. Here's hoping.     |
| Advice on Advice I think it’s dangerous to read how to books. Especially about writing. Out of curiosity, I sometimes read advice that others have recommended and often find that I agree with the effectiveness of what is being suggested. The relevant word in that paragraph is “agree.” That’s the one that makes it dangerous. You see, because I agree with it, I do so because I already employ that technique quite naturally. All the writer has done is make me more aware of it. Being conscious of it can screw with the whole process. Instead of just doing it, I’m now noticing me doing it and attempting to adjust it. For instance, I heard years ago that it was necessary to have dialogue in good writing. And, ever since then, I’ve noticed that I do that anyway. I’ve been able to avoid going overboard on it because I’ve not trusted the advice completely. But it can easily make you put in too much dialogue. Don’t laugh. Reviewing in WdC, I’ve seen loads of writing that kills with pages and pages of dialogue. And I rarely get to the end of such a piece. It becomes boring and can also be confusing, trying to keep up with who says what. The advice should always be everything in moderation. Don’t listen too much to advice and keep all theories employed under control. It’s the mix of many techniques that makes good writing, especially if it comes naturally. Be grateful if that describes your gift and don’t examine it too closely. So don’t listen to me either. I’m just thinking aloud. Word count: 266 |
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