Read this today for the third time! And it won't be my last.
There's something to be said for how the 'Five Things I Don't Want" struck me more than the first section. Writing about medicine, I try to balance over-explaining with not going over someone's head.
I love the point about predictability. I think that explains why sometimes I love to sit down and not know what I'll write, it's like I'm surprising myself too, not just the reader.
Also love the point about over-emoting. If I do that, it's as I'm taking the reaction away from the reader.
Thank you so much for this, Jeannine. It's so helpful. I love the idea of worker words and your description of writing about emotions. As a reader, I get distracted by ornamental and excessive descriptions. I hope I remember all of this when I'm in my revision process. At this point, I'm working to finish my first draft.
You will remember it. And if you don't, the WITD archive is always available to you (it is VAST!). Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and good luck on your draft. I am drafting too ... xo
Really glad to hear it, Kate. It helps sometimes to break things down, I think--and, also, some of these ways of thinking about writing feel counterintuitive, because it is not how we were taught in English composition. And that is because creative writing does NOT follow those rules. Those rules are kind of deadly for creative writing!
I am crying with joy, Jeannine! I've been struggling for a year and half with a particular piece of writing that I hold very close to my heart. I submitted it a year ago with no success and have let it sit, knowing it needs revision but not knowing where to begin...until now. I will start in the middle! Thank you, thank you for reposting these gems of advice!
Read this today for the third time! And it won't be my last.
There's something to be said for how the 'Five Things I Don't Want" struck me more than the first section. Writing about medicine, I try to balance over-explaining with not going over someone's head.
I love the point about predictability. I think that explains why sometimes I love to sit down and not know what I'll write, it's like I'm surprising myself too, not just the reader.
Also love the point about over-emoting. If I do that, it's as I'm taking the reaction away from the reader.
I'll be coming back to this Jeannine :)
So helpful.
Substack needs to put a "print" button on posts so we can easily print these out. I need to see this on my wall. So many gems here.
Jeannine, I really appreciate your stance on language that is alive, that carries truth. Not fancy. But real. A great North Star for all writing 🙏
Yes!! Thanks for singling that out. I feel truly passionate about it, and more so with every day that passes in this political climate.
Thank you so much for this, Jeannine. It's so helpful. I love the idea of worker words and your description of writing about emotions. As a reader, I get distracted by ornamental and excessive descriptions. I hope I remember all of this when I'm in my revision process. At this point, I'm working to finish my first draft.
You will remember it. And if you don't, the WITD archive is always available to you (it is VAST!). Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, and good luck on your draft. I am drafting too ... xo
Wow, I enjoyed that, especially writing emotions cold!
Thank you so much, Cathie!
What a delicious little snack.
Haha thanks so much, Alice. I like that.
As both an editor and reader I want the same five things.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
This is helpful. Thank you.
I love the idea of those parallel lines, dialling it down while ramping it up. 🔥
Love that--"dialing it down while ramping it up" -- yes!
Really glad to hear it, Kate. It helps sometimes to break things down, I think--and, also, some of these ways of thinking about writing feel counterintuitive, because it is not how we were taught in English composition. And that is because creative writing does NOT follow those rules. Those rules are kind of deadly for creative writing!
I am crying with joy, Jeannine! I've been struggling for a year and half with a particular piece of writing that I hold very close to my heart. I submitted it a year ago with no success and have let it sit, knowing it needs revision but not knowing where to begin...until now. I will start in the middle! Thank you, thank you for reposting these gems of advice!
Oh that's so great to hear. Rooting for you!!!