One of my all time favorite short stories by one of my all time favorite authors is sparse on the details, to the point I wasn't sure whether the story takes place in our world or a high fantasy one.
But it's otherwise great fun and I've reread it three times because I like the characters. A story doesn't need to be flawless to be good.
That's because different readers have different tastes. I always tell to my friend about my favorite books that she wouldn't like it, I know her taste. But these are my favorites. Not flawless ones, not for everyone, but for me.
I remember a reader talked about folllwing a reviewer with the opposite taste, which I found interesting.
If the reviewer hated a book the reader knew she'd love it.
If the reviewer loved a book, the reader knew she'd dislike the book.
I never thought of getting book recommendations like that, and I prefer following people with the same or close taste in books. But it is a great example of one reader's boring read is another's favorite.
Well, yes, only putting new words on the page makes the writer better.
Beginers should let go the idea they should be 'good' to have the right to publish their own work. If they don't take it seriously, they won't be better. I think that is the key. And yes, taking writing seriously means getting better and better in it...
Let's see traditional publishing. How many works are worse than what you write, how many works is out there you would never read.
It's all about the readers' taste. But they won't get the chance to enjoy your story if you are hold it back.
Well, I also need to remember myself to it. But I do. ;)
There's a letter Heinlein wrote to Sprague de Camp in 1952, after de Camp asked for clarification on Heinlein's "rule 3". Heinlein mentions how if he does any rewriting it's only "cutting surplusage" and then writes: "I would never advise a beginner to rewrite. He can learn more by starting a brand-new story and doing his best on it."
In his speech at Annapolis in 1973 Heinlein states that every writer should fix typos and "strike out surplusage and fancy talk", which sounds a lot like removing critical voice to me and throws in this description: "A beginner finds hard to believe that no rewriting rule...would you refry an egg? Tear down a freshly built wall? Destroy a new chair? Ridiculous!"
The first quote, the letter to de Camp, I found quoted in Robert A. Heinlein: In Dialogue With His Century Volume 2 by William H. Patterson Jr.
The second quote is from Heinlein's speech at Annapolis to a class of midshipmen, which was reprinted in Analog magazine as a guest editorial in 1974. I found that years ago linked on Jerry Pournelle's website in the article "How to Get My Job".
Thanks Eli. I feel like that last quote especially gets at what I've been trying to express for some time...I relate so much to fine artists. You don't ever hear of a teacher telling the painter, "Now take that paint away there, add more paint there. Add a different color there." At least I've never heard of that happening! Artists create, people say what they want, and the artist moves on to create more work.
One of my all time favorite short stories by one of my all time favorite authors is sparse on the details, to the point I wasn't sure whether the story takes place in our world or a high fantasy one.
But it's otherwise great fun and I've reread it three times because I like the characters. A story doesn't need to be flawless to be good.
Same here.
That's because different readers have different tastes. I always tell to my friend about my favorite books that she wouldn't like it, I know her taste. But these are my favorites. Not flawless ones, not for everyone, but for me.
I remember a reader talked about folllwing a reviewer with the opposite taste, which I found interesting.
If the reviewer hated a book the reader knew she'd love it.
If the reviewer loved a book, the reader knew she'd dislike the book.
I never thought of getting book recommendations like that, and I prefer following people with the same or close taste in books. But it is a great example of one reader's boring read is another's favorite.
Exactly, Emilia.
Well, yes, only putting new words on the page makes the writer better.
Beginers should let go the idea they should be 'good' to have the right to publish their own work. If they don't take it seriously, they won't be better. I think that is the key. And yes, taking writing seriously means getting better and better in it...
Let's see traditional publishing. How many works are worse than what you write, how many works is out there you would never read.
It's all about the readers' taste. But they won't get the chance to enjoy your story if you are hold it back.
Well, I also need to remember myself to it. But I do. ;)
All valid points, Balázs.
There's a letter Heinlein wrote to Sprague de Camp in 1952, after de Camp asked for clarification on Heinlein's "rule 3". Heinlein mentions how if he does any rewriting it's only "cutting surplusage" and then writes: "I would never advise a beginner to rewrite. He can learn more by starting a brand-new story and doing his best on it."
In his speech at Annapolis in 1973 Heinlein states that every writer should fix typos and "strike out surplusage and fancy talk", which sounds a lot like removing critical voice to me and throws in this description: "A beginner finds hard to believe that no rewriting rule...would you refry an egg? Tear down a freshly built wall? Destroy a new chair? Ridiculous!"
Absolute Gold, Eli! I was unaware of those quotes until now. I will definitely pass them along in TNDJ. Thanks!
These are amazing quotes. Make so much sense. If I may ask, where did you find them?
I'd be inclined to think the first quote from his 73 speech is referring to rewriting. But the rest of it puts it in context I guess.
Sounds more to me like he's referring to light editing. And if he's staying in the creative subconscious as he does so, he's cycling. :-)
That makes sense.
The first quote, the letter to de Camp, I found quoted in Robert A. Heinlein: In Dialogue With His Century Volume 2 by William H. Patterson Jr.
The second quote is from Heinlein's speech at Annapolis to a class of midshipmen, which was reprinted in Analog magazine as a guest editorial in 1974. I found that years ago linked on Jerry Pournelle's website in the article "How to Get My Job".
Thanks Eli. I feel like that last quote especially gets at what I've been trying to express for some time...I relate so much to fine artists. You don't ever hear of a teacher telling the painter, "Now take that paint away there, add more paint there. Add a different color there." At least I've never heard of that happening! Artists create, people say what they want, and the artist moves on to create more work.
Very cool. Thanks again.
Those last few paragraphs do point out quite the interesting irony that is quite common. I am guilty as charged as I’m sure many others are too haha
Thank you Harvey! I needed to hear this.
Wait'll you see the opening of tomorrow's TNDJ. :-)
Fantastic post, Harvey. Thanks.