There has been some discussion elsewhere on S/stack about the plethora of advice to people about how to write. I’m wary of such advice - even if it is well-intentioned - as I’m pretty sure you can’t (and shouldn’t try) to teach people how to write. What would be more helpful might be to help people to read.
However, your things here aren’t really about that shtick…or if they sort of are, they are resonant and genuine. Or appear so to me…which, as your reader and a guy who is into writing and is up for writing a story, is what matters.
“Write as if your reader knows more of the world in general than you do, but just doesn’t know the particular story you’re going to tell. Avoid wearying or annoying them.” You are a brilliant teacher!
Saving this to reread every day before writing.
This is wonderful in its generosity.
There has been some discussion elsewhere on S/stack about the plethora of advice to people about how to write. I’m wary of such advice - even if it is well-intentioned - as I’m pretty sure you can’t (and shouldn’t try) to teach people how to write. What would be more helpful might be to help people to read.
However, your things here aren’t really about that shtick…or if they sort of are, they are resonant and genuine. Or appear so to me…which, as your reader and a guy who is into writing and is up for writing a story, is what matters.
I really dig this, man.
“Write as if your reader knows more of the world in general than you do, but just doesn’t know the particular story you’re going to tell. Avoid wearying or annoying them.” You are a brilliant teacher!
Haha, always good to think (btw, I’m a young 80)
This is helpful, even to old bastards like myself.