Good Writing Will Out
On one of my writing loops someone started a discussion on Mechanics and Storytelling. I’ll be honest and confess I haven’t been paying tons of attention to the discussion, but as they usually do, this one has evolved to people listing their pet peeves. Lemme tell ya’ll something…I’ve never put a book down and said, “I”m never reading her again. She incorrectly used blah blah word/sentence/phrase/whatever and no one caught it.” :pirate: Whatever……..
If you can tell me a good story and keep me entertained for a few hours, I’m your ho-girl :cloud9: I can’t even think of a book I’ve read where I’ve caught mistakes. You know why? Cause even though being a reader and a writer can be hard, I still read to be entertained. I still read for a good story. I’m not looking for mistakes. Mistakes happen. The eyes that go over a manuscript time and time again….they’re all human.
For me….the Kiss of Death is a writer with no voice. Ok well apparently they do have some sort of voice because someone bought their book and must have liked it but I’m talking about the “MEH” story….the story that doesn’t hold my interest, no matter how well constructed because the writer has … let’s be honest here… the writer is a good writer, but they’re not a good storyteller.
Storytelling can be nurtured….but I don’t think it can be taught. I actually had a friend recently ask me to read her work and I did (it’s not the first time). I got done and I told her the truth…the story itself needed a little work but I didn’t doubt that she had talent, that she could tell a good story and most importantly of all (For me) I love her voice–she’s a very atmospheric writer with an evocative voice that reminds me a lot of Raine.
Writing can be learned (including basic grammar etc as well as plot and story structure). And I think there are writers out there who are not storytellers. Probably some quite successful ones. Just don’t ask me to name any :evillaugh:
Agree? Disagree? What do you consider yourself? Weigh in……lemme know what you think.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I’ve always considered myself a story teller.
For many years I indulged that side of me with role playing games; D&D, Rifts, Vampire and one of my own design. I was most often the person who put together the adventure. So I was used to creating setting, plot, protagonists, conflict, etc.
These skills transfered over nicely when I began writing.
All my writing skills are learned from decades of reading. It sort of soaked into me how to structure sentences, paragraphs and so on.
But chiefly, I’m a storyteller.
December 4th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
I agree. I can always spot a technically perfect book a mile away. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s very well written. There’s just no voice that pops up waving a flag saying ‘here’s why I’m unique’
December 4th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
I think that sometimes technically perfect books can be the result of a critique group. All the personality has been edited out so the sentences flow and read perfectly. I like to think that anything can be learned, if you want it badly enough. Finding voice can take time. I know it took me a few books before I fell into a rhythm that suits me and the way my mind works.
December 4th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
I agree with Shelley and in fact just read that in the RWR. A perfectly polished manuscript with no real voice is usually the result of a critque group which makes sense. I’ve actually had something edited within an inch of its life and I think my voice got edited right out of it. Oh well…
Great topic Amie.
December 4th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
I’m a storyteller, although I haven’t touched my MS for close to a year.
I’m on the fence as to whether a voice can be learned or not.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Bailey I think you can FIND your voice….but I dont think voice can be taught. I’m not even sure if finding your voice can be taught!
December 5th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Shelley..and Karen….or too much contesting and too much focusing on getting those first 25-30 pages just right. I used to contest my ASS off but I never polished something so much it had no life left in it. I contested to get in front of final round judges, and finaled a lot….I rarely contested for feedback. I find feedback early on a ms can really stifle me even if it’s good feedback so I tend to keep ti close to the vest early on. (I’m also a bit superstitious)