The good writing vs. good story issue is true. It's got much to do with living in a multimedia story culture. A badly written story is only badly written if you're reading, but if the story is good, it can be transported into another form of media and find a different kind of success. (Does anyone seriously think the Twilight novels were well-written? But the whole endeavor made bank.)
"If you want to write for more than a hobby, you can’t wait around for inspiration. You need tools, habits, and a healthy disregard for your own excuses." I agree wholeheartedly...not to mention that part about writing ruining reading for us. I'm listening to an audiobook right now (not mine, but even that one I'd change some things if I could!) and as I'm listening I'm thinking, "Filtering. Should've had a scene change here. Why is the chapter so long? The logic of the conversation concluded 4 lines up, why are they still talking?"
The nuts-and-bolts of the writing really comes down to trying to engage *readers* within the medium of *written stories.*
That's why I think Cron and, by extension, you, are fundamentally correct.
Good thoughts here, HH, and I read that closing line while sipping a light roast.
Appreciate this, Daniel, and you're absolutely right about the “badly written” vs. “badly read” distinction. In a multimedia culture, once a story hits the screen, prose quality often gets left behind. Twilight’s the go-to example for a reason, and funny enough, it was exactly what got me to start writing. I figured, “If this can be a phenomenon, maybe I can do this.” So, in a way, I owe Stephanie Meyer a thank-you card.
Also yes, once you learn to spot filtering, saggy scenes, and monologues that should’ve ended four lines ago you can’t unsee it. But I agree, it all comes back to the reader’s experience on the page. The nuts and bolts matter, even if they’re invisible when done right. Appreciate you reading, and respect for pairing it with a light roast. That’s the ideal calibration.
I think of Charles Dickens a lot when it comes to writing of the times. He tells so much, which is generally a nono nowadays. But it's so immersive who cares.
Also important to come to terms with your writing style to get better. I don't write flowery pros no matter how much I admire them. So better to focus on improving my personal style.
Totally agree! Dickens isn’t someone I’ve read a ton of, but he’s a great example of how powerful “telling” can be when the voice is strong enough. These days we’re told to strip so much out, but sometimes that lush immersion is the point. And yes, embracing your natural style is huge. I admire flowery prose too, but my brain tends to write lean and dry, with a touch of humor, so I try to sharpen that rather than force a different voice. Here’s to getting better by being more ourselves.
I love this. I wish Substack had a highlight feature like Medium because you have a dozen sentence gems in here.
I’m reminded of Fifty Shades of Grey. As I was reading it, I remember thinking “how did an editor let this pass?” But dang if it didn’t sell like hotcakes and get a movie. People wanted the story. 🤷🏻♀️
Im still struggling, so thank you for this.
It's a struggle for all of us Debra!
The good writing vs. good story issue is true. It's got much to do with living in a multimedia story culture. A badly written story is only badly written if you're reading, but if the story is good, it can be transported into another form of media and find a different kind of success. (Does anyone seriously think the Twilight novels were well-written? But the whole endeavor made bank.)
"If you want to write for more than a hobby, you can’t wait around for inspiration. You need tools, habits, and a healthy disregard for your own excuses." I agree wholeheartedly...not to mention that part about writing ruining reading for us. I'm listening to an audiobook right now (not mine, but even that one I'd change some things if I could!) and as I'm listening I'm thinking, "Filtering. Should've had a scene change here. Why is the chapter so long? The logic of the conversation concluded 4 lines up, why are they still talking?"
The nuts-and-bolts of the writing really comes down to trying to engage *readers* within the medium of *written stories.*
That's why I think Cron and, by extension, you, are fundamentally correct.
Good thoughts here, HH, and I read that closing line while sipping a light roast.
Appreciate this, Daniel, and you're absolutely right about the “badly written” vs. “badly read” distinction. In a multimedia culture, once a story hits the screen, prose quality often gets left behind. Twilight’s the go-to example for a reason, and funny enough, it was exactly what got me to start writing. I figured, “If this can be a phenomenon, maybe I can do this.” So, in a way, I owe Stephanie Meyer a thank-you card.
Also yes, once you learn to spot filtering, saggy scenes, and monologues that should’ve ended four lines ago you can’t unsee it. But I agree, it all comes back to the reader’s experience on the page. The nuts and bolts matter, even if they’re invisible when done right. Appreciate you reading, and respect for pairing it with a light roast. That’s the ideal calibration.
I think of Charles Dickens a lot when it comes to writing of the times. He tells so much, which is generally a nono nowadays. But it's so immersive who cares.
Also important to come to terms with your writing style to get better. I don't write flowery pros no matter how much I admire them. So better to focus on improving my personal style.
Totally agree! Dickens isn’t someone I’ve read a ton of, but he’s a great example of how powerful “telling” can be when the voice is strong enough. These days we’re told to strip so much out, but sometimes that lush immersion is the point. And yes, embracing your natural style is huge. I admire flowery prose too, but my brain tends to write lean and dry, with a touch of humor, so I try to sharpen that rather than force a different voice. Here’s to getting better by being more ourselves.
Love this....especially about the prose disappearing...that has always resonated with me.
I hope to find it when I’m reading and strive for it when I’m writing. Thanks Colleen!
I love this. I wish Substack had a highlight feature like Medium because you have a dozen sentence gems in here.
I’m reminded of Fifty Shades of Grey. As I was reading it, I remember thinking “how did an editor let this pass?” But dang if it didn’t sell like hotcakes and get a movie. People wanted the story. 🤷🏻♀️