My Perfect World (Vol. 003)

11/14/2012 06:35:00 PM

If I could have it all my way, I would have the gift of words.

The irony is that I love writing, but I am not blessed with the gift. My eyes don't like it and still as a 20-something, I don't prefer reading or writing.

I denied this to myself for a very long time, but I've come to terms with it. Now I focus on mastering the art of captivating people with short passages and images. Nonetheless, I admire the gift of writing because when it is done simple and well it really is one of the more beautiful ways of expression.

Mark Twain once wrote:

I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English - it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it..

..don't let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in. When you catch an adjective, kill it. No, I don't mean utterly, but kill most of them - then the rest will be valuable. They weaken when they are close together. They give strength when they are wide apart. An adjective habit, or a wordy, diffuse, flowery habit, once fastened upon a person, is as hard to get rid of as any other vice.  

 
- Letter to D. W. Bowser, 20 March 1880

When I read this, it changed me. The truth is, if someone can relate they will find it fascinating. If it's just fluff, people can't read past the words to feel anything. This took me a very long time to understand.

Many people have this gift. I, on the other hand, try to mimic their form and do my best.


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1 comment(s)

  1. You do have a gift of writing, darling.. Very much so. In fact, I've always enjoyed reading your blogs! Xoxo G.L.

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