There's a certain type of writer that likes to claim that thinking about craft, studying other writers, and possibly even reading other fiction at all will "destroy your unique voice" ... and every single one of them writes in identical faux-edgy Reddit prose that is completely interchangeable. - ThreadSky

thelincoln.bsky.social • 10 days ago

There's a certain type of writer that likes to claim that thinking about craft, studying other writers, and possibly even reading other fiction at all will "destroy your unique voice" ... and every single one of them writes in identical faux-edgy Reddit prose that is completely interchangeable.

Comments

czapsticks.bsky.social•10 days ago

Plus reading engenders writing, very similar muscles. I’m usually writing most when I’m reading a lot.

symbo1ics.bsky.social•10 days ago

that's because the arts and humanities are first of all _conversations_ that necessarily include everyone—including living _and dead_ writers and artists

briankspears.bsky.social•10 days ago

This is why I’m forever pushing back on the idea that writing is an innate talent. It’s a craft that you get better at with practice.

And most importantly, even the writers we think of as geniuses got there through practice and work.

thelincoln.bsky.social•10 days ago

Yeah, I do believe in talent but talent doesn't exist without work and practice. Same in other fields. A random person may never be Michael Jordan no matter how much they practice, but... Jordan also wouldn't have been Jordan without lots of practice and work.

briankspears.bsky.social•10 days ago

Right. Playing music is also a good example. I know people who seem to have a knack for being able to play an instrument passably when they pick it up, but to become great at it, they have to practice a lot.

lairdbarron.bsky.social•10 days ago

I feel too many writers think they could be Mike if they just practiced more. Doomed to disappointment because they're 5'6 and have the vertical leap to clear a credit card

hwbrgdtse.bsky.social•10 days ago

And they'd probably realize how silly it would be for someone to say, "Yeah, I'm a musician, but I don't really listen to music."

typingloudly.zip•10 days ago

I agree in the abstract, but could you provide examples of this type of prose?

thelincoln.bsky.social•10 days ago

In a less snarky way, all artists draw on other artists and styles. No one is inventing painting or language from scratch. Limiting the "inputs" you have to pull from is only going to limit your style.

thelincoln.bsky.social•10 days ago

Maybe I'll write a little post about this... but yeah. Read a lot. Think a lot. Practice a lot. Only way to write well.

jonmcconn.bsky.social•10 days ago

I'm so committed to this opposite take - the MORE you take in the more unique your work will be, because no one could possibly have your exact combination of influences anymore after a time.

Probably after not that long either.

kittyhatts.bsky.social•10 days ago

It's very funny bc they say that and my response is invariably "yeah, everyone can tell"

goaskalis.bsky.social•10 days ago

When Terry Pratchett imitates the Dragonriders of Pern *chef's kiss*

goaskalis.bsky.social•10 days ago

On Writing basically and at least once literally says "Read a lot. Write a lot"

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply