a basic theory of good writing (quote, similar, words)

[dipr]

1. there is no good writing; only good re-writing. you can prove this to yourself by reading something you wrote yesterday.

2. precision. although many words are similar, usually only one will capture exactly what you mean. finding that word is a very rewarding feeling.

3. brevity. as long as your whole concept is expressed, the fewer words the better. this is one reason a demand for a 10-page paper can be excessive.

4. detail. writing is aimed at someone who is not there with you. even a color may need addition. red: is that light... dark... pinkish...?


writings falling outside the above should be considered as done with 'poetic license'. this concept allows you to play around, but it should be done deliberately.


finally, just for fun, here are the proper uses of the words "lay" and "lie":

a. i am lying in bed (not laying).
b. she is lying, not telling the truth.
c. please lay down your books.
d. yesterday i lay in bed all day (not laid).
e. you should lie down for a while (not lay).
f. broken pieces were lying all over the place (not laying)
g. the body had lain on the ground for days.
h. i laid all the pieces in a row (spelling, not layed)

[Dirt Grinder]

The word pretentious comes to mind.

[MarbleTurtle]

Great advice! I've actually considered writing a story as my interest in games has diminished after 20 years. Maybe I just want to try something new.

[Murk]

Originally Posted by dipr

1. there is no good writing; only good re-writing.

This is plagiarism. This is actually a quote from Justice Louis Brandice.

Another rule of good writing. Don't steal other people's words for your own purposes without attribution.

[Count David]

Just let the thoughts spill out and organize them later.

[harry chickpea]

Following rules 1, 2 and 3...

Whatever.