The other day when I told my friend that I had some books on writing in my cart at Amazon, but that I was hesitant to spend the money whereas I wouldn't be if it were fabric for quilts, or wool for rugs, she emphatically told me not to buy them. She was worried that if I read about writing it would mess up my writing.
In response to what crossed my face she said, "That's not what you wanted was it? You wanted me to encourage you to get the books." I only replied, "No. It's not that."
What I was thinking and didn't voice was, it's not the stories, it's the sentences.
I want my sentences to sing.
What has caused me to give place to those thoughts here, now, are the words I read this morning by Francine Prose in her book, Reading Like A Writer:
"...to talk about sentences is to have a conversation about something far more meaningful and personal to most authors than the questions they're more often asked..."
I want to write beautiful sentences. I want my stories to captivate, but I want my sentences to evoke a pause or a sigh, a second or third reading, and a longing for more.
3 comments:
First of all, thank you so much for visiting Little Woolgatherings the other day. How very kind! Please do come back often :-)
I have to agree with your friend. Although you can learn about proper punctuation and sentence formation, no book can really teach you how to make your writing come alive, although I imagine they contain a few good tips. I believe writing that is both good and engaging comes from the heart and soul. I've had many people tell me they like my writing style because it is friendly and comfortable. One of the biggest compliments I received, on my mommy-ish crafty-gardening-kid blog was from a childless computer geek guy who says he comes back for my writing despite the content, which otherwise wouldn't interest him. It's like my crafting - I can be in awe of the successful crafty moms on the web and wish to emulate them, but in the end I have to develop my own unique style. Does that make sense?
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for the input! I do agree with you.
I wasn't clear however that I meant with regards to my novel. :) The story is wonderful, but sentences can really make or break a good story. For example, if all my sentences were simple and had the exact same cadence to them... it would get old really fast and one would have to WORK at getting through the story.
Rhea
I happened to come acrros your blog and see your story, at least what's posted. Just wanted to say it sounds interesting. Keep writing.
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