Last Friday (December 10) I sent the first 20 pages of manuscript to some “friendly readers:” my writer friends Jen and Lynn, and Mr. Busy. These three offer concrete, honest feedback and some great suggestions for improvement. I want to thank each of them for helping me to become a better writer!
While they were busy reading, I switched gears. I wrote an article for a magazine deadline of January 30 and wrote some advertising copy for my upcoming workshops. I also did some reading and analysis to help me figure out how to make the improvements in the book manuscript that I already know are needed.
First, I re-read two of my reference books:
- Read Like A Writer by Francine Prose and
- On Writing Well by William Zinsser.
Prose advocates “close reading” of the masterpieces of literature, which, she says, “involves reading for sheer pleasure but also with an eye and a memory for which author happens to do which thing particularly well.”
Zinsser’s book is a primer for anyone who strives to write spare, clear, powerful words. “Good writing has an aliveness that keeps the reader reading from one paragraph to the next,” he says, by “using the English language in a way that will achieve the greatest clarity and strength.”
I immersed myself in the lessons of these two teachers and then turned my attention to two books that I consider masterpieces of social history, which can instruct me in creating Muskoka’s Main Street:
- A Private Capital by Sandra Gwyn and
- Gold Diggers by Charlotte Gray.
I read the first chapter of each book “like a writer,” with an eye to structure and language. What information is actually in the first chapter? How does the author draw me into the story? How does she orient me to the times and issues she is writing about? How much background history and geography does she introduce? What is the style and tone of the language – the actual words she uses?
One thing I’ve learned so far is Gwyn and Gray use much smaller direct quotes from their reference material than I have. They take what’s in a diary, say, and turn it into modern language to get the story moving. The direct quotes they use are short and catchy. They don’t include any archaic 19th century words that could confuse a reader.
Archaic? I meant, “no longer in ordinary use.” Sorry, Mr. Zinsser.
So I’ve now read all of your blog even though I’ve been a late starter. This last entry sounds like you are working very hard with the research. I must say you given me a better insight into what a writer may have to endure to end up with their creation. As I read this I know I’m learning but it doesn’t feel like I’m studying. Thanks for including me. M2
M2, it’s great to have you along for the ride! Glad it’s been a painless learning so far. Re: the research, yes it’s work. But what would I rather be dong? As writer Annie Dillard says – and I’ve posted on my white board – “It’s a privilege to muck about in sentences all morning.” So true!
Thanks for the reminder that good writers need to be good readers, too. I sometimes fear reading the works of other authors when I’m trying to write something myself – I’m afraid it will be discouraging to see someone else doing exactly what I am trying to do, only better. It’s important to have mentors, though, and great works to aspire to…so I need to get reading as well as writing!
I’m hoping by reading other writers who are at the top of their game, I will be able to raise my game!