Friday, January 6, 2012
What is Good Writing?
In a course that purports to teach you how to become a better writer, it would seem to be a really good idea to establish right away what constitutes "good writing". So that's the question I want to pose here for your thoughtful responses. What do YOU think is good writing? If you had to generalize beyond genre (that is, beyond saying, "I think fiction is good writing.") what characterizes writing that, whatever the style or purpose, strikes you as "good"? This is a REQUIRED posting.
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(Assuming that we are juxtaposing "good writing" with "bad writing" and not with "great writing"…)
ReplyDeleteGood writing compels.
It urges the the reader to believe the writer in some capacity. Obviously, "persuasive writing" lends itself quite readily to this task, but all genres do in some way: fiction, for character development, attachment and sympathy; philosophy (one example of persuasive writing), for obliging the reader to believe a certain argument; narrative, like fiction, aims to have the reader become attached to the story and emotionally invested in the outcome. Name another, and I'm sure a similar case could be made. In the end, their goal is to convey some human emotion or discovered truth in a way that is relatable and believable to the audience. (I'm sure someone could make the case, using counterexamples, that this assumption is not true…that might be an interesting discussion. I wish my knowledge base was larger.) In doing this, literature expands the understanding of the reader, serving as a disseminator for knowledge.
I suppose this nature can be traced to the beginnings of formal, written language: scrolls were first used to record stories and ideas, and were used to remind the author of the details of his tale or postulation. Fact-check me, but I believe much of its purpose was to recall internalized knowledge for the writer (and subsequent reader, being the same person), and buoyed by his previously written document, he gave an oration. Later, this method was used to externalize knowledge so that literate peers could partake, and in this way the document served the purpose of the oration. This is, at least, one idea, and it supports the notion of writing that elucidates being good writing.
Theo
To me, good writing hooks the reader into wanting to read whatever is written. The writing must be enticing and intriguing yet still contain a purpose. An opening sentence is important because it's the first sentence the reader sees, so an opener should draw the reader into wanting to read more. The reader should learn something after reading good writing, whether about themselves, others, or the world around them. There must be some moral after reading good writing. In addition, good writing should give the reader a clear picture of the situation, by using descriptive adjectives and showing not telling. Cutting out unnecessary words and being concise is also a part of good writing. Each sentence should flow together, with each line leading to the next.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Fields
In my experience, good writing is something that elicits a positive reaction from the reader. Now, positive can be construed in a number of different ways. It can be laughter, or general enjoyment of the text. A positive reaction could be a strong emotional reaction. If a piece of writing brings the reader to tears, then it is relatable and allows for strong personal connection. If it inspires one to spend time thinking after he or she reads it, to consider his or her own actions or the actions of others, it has had some sort of impact on the reader. The ability to connect the piece of writing or the author to the reader is what makes it truly good. Although style is an important piece in construction, it does not matter what the style is, but instead, how well it is executed. The same idea goes for the purpose, it does not matter whether the purpose is to educate others or for oneself, but if the purpose is achieved, then it is successful, but purpose is less related to how good the writing is.
ReplyDeleteIn good writing,the writer is be able to convey their point of view and message in a concise and smooth way. Good writing is not choppy and has transitions where necessary. Also, it is not redundant in context, vocabulary, or sentence structure and length. Good writing should make the reader feel inspired to read more and write something with similar worth or characteristics.
ReplyDelete--Daisy
I believe that good writing entrances the reader. Even from the first sentence, the reader should be interested and drawn in to the story. The sentences need to flow together to keep it from sounding too choppy. Also, the author needs to paint a picture of what they are saying in your mind. I agree with Matt that the authors should be showing and not telling you what they are saying. The meaning that you take out of a good essay or a good story doesn't have the be the same for everyone. I think that what is written should be able to be interpreted differently and also be argued from many different sides. Writing a good piece should influence people.
ReplyDeleteThe author should also vary in their types of sentences as well as points and their word choices. A good writer should make sure that they are not redundant in any way.
Alexi
Good writing engages the reader. The words, sentences and paragraphs flow effortlessly from one thought to the next. The transitions are easy and prevent the reader from having to re-read components of the work. I also characterize good writing as understandable writing. When the writer shows their ideas and leave room for the readers’ interpretation, without being cryptic or confusing. However, in my experience the best writing, regardless of genre, is when a writer captivates the reader and makes the process of reading enjoyable. It is when the reader finishes the work of art satisfied. They have either gained the knowledge they wanted, had been tricked into the fictional world of the story, or left thinking of the meaning being the text.
ReplyDeleteI believe that there are many aspects that compose good writing. Good writing is writing that evokes emotion from the reader while remaining true to the writer’s voice and style. While many would argue that a specific structural format and an extensive vocabulary constitute good writing, I place great value on the presence of a strong voice. While, of course, correct grammar and lucidity are assets to writing, I often find myself captivated by a character’s voice that I am easily able to relate to or feel strongly about. I believe that it is when writing invokes passion in a reader that it is excellent writing. Whether the reader is enthralled in a story or passionately opposing or supporting the message, it is vital for good writing to be expressive enough to elicit feelings and further be memorable. In a more academic sense, I feel that good writing is both to the point but also honors the nuances of a complex argument.
ReplyDeleteWhen I discover good writing in terms of novels I am immediately captured and transferred into a different world. Good writing surpasses expression and enters into the realm of feeling. Good writing includes both the internal and external angle of the character. This provides the reader with the opportunity to relate to the character via feelings. Writing is a complex task and good writing provides an intricate scene for the reader to ponder and apply her own interpretation. Good writing can also provide entertainment whether it is witty and concise, or descriptive and flamboyant. Good writing introduces to the reader new vocabulary and the writer’s use of diction is important in regards to the work’s flow. In my opinion good writing mechanics are necessary because good writing should be able to express an idea without being hindered by grammar.
ReplyDeleteGood writing provokes a response, whether that response is the comfortable feeling of relating to or agreeing with what has been written, a possibly painful emotional reaction, or the inspiration to read more or write yourself. (However, a caveat is that good writing must have a purpose other than to provoke a response. Pure shock value, I’m looking at you.) Original or aesthetically pleasing use of language also adds to good writing, but it’s not all dependent on grammar and spelling. Extremely powerful stories and poems have been written in English dialects which may be considered lowbrow, and at the other end of the spectrum, overly dense (though correct) verbiage can become wearisome quickly. I personally enjoy reading writing that offers ideas that are moving, yet simply and gracefully put. Subtleties that reward the reader if he or she notices them are also a sign of advanced writing.
ReplyDeleteGood writing allows the reader to embark on a journey through the writers mind and enables the reader to understand the purpose of the writing. Then, the reader can attempt to formulate their own thoughts and opinions about the meaning of the writing and how it will affect them. In addition, I think that if the writing can make you question your core set of beliefs that that is some of the best writing. If a writer is so persuasive or their work has such a strong response that you change your mind that is good writing. This kind of writing occurs because of the emotion that is put into the writing. That is why writing a sad story and expressing your emotions is easier. It is so imbedded in you that when you write it, the reader automatically can feel that same feeling and maybe even has a similar story of their own. This connection between the reader and writer is so important because without it, writing would be without meaning and purpose. This bond only occurs when anyone reads good writing, and that is what is so special about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts so far! Looking forward to hearing from all of you. Re: Theo's distinction. Yes Good vs. Bad. But it would be wise for us at some future point to talk about distinctions between "Good" and "Great" (or "Better?") writing. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGood writing should, when read, have the ability to captivate the reader just as a deliciously cooked meal does to an eater—the reader craves for more and, at the same time, is consistently infatuated with juicy word choices, vivid imagery, and overall flavor. Good writing, just as good food, captivates the reader’s feelings, mental track, and physical experience. Good food can be eaten slowly and savored, or, it can be scarfed down in one satisfying sitting; it can be chewed on until undertones of oregano emerge or eaten before it has cooled. Good food can evoke memories or provoke feelings. Just as good food does for an eater, good writing provides a strong flavor for the reader. Good writing also holds certain truths in it. Even in the genres of fiction and fantasy, good writing connects with a readers mind and heart.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, something that many other brought up: Spelling and grammar, while not necessarily completely thrown out the window, are not specifically necessary for good writing. This can be the difference between “correct writing” and “good writing.”
Writing, according to many teachers’ rubrics, must be structured, clear, and eloquent. It must have “x” amount of paragraphs and “x” amount of words. Many students can follow a set of guidelines, write a detailed outline, and string together sentences well enough to receive a good grade. What defines “good” writing, however, is style. I believe style is more important than anything that can be quantified in a grade. Like others have said on this posting, “good” writing is interesting, not just a dry, structured essay. “Good” writing is the intricate and unique result of a passionate writer. “Good” writing is eloquent, with specific, focused language that expresses the author’s ideas. “Good” writing goes above and beyond the basics of writing.
ReplyDeleteGood writing varies from genre to genre. For a scientific paper it may entail explaining everything step by step with the appropriate data. A poem, on the other hand, could be anything that provokes the reader emotionally. These differences in writing are what define varying styles.
ReplyDeleteLooking past these differences, the overarching theme of good writing is its ability to engage the reader, as many have already mentioned. If a piece of writing did not engage the reader, nobody would enjoy it, and then nobody would read it. This, of course, depends on the audience. While reading one of Foucault’s philosophical pieces may be extremely unappealing to the majority of this class and put us all to sleep, an English graduate student may find such a piece a piece genius. Different people have different tastes, thus a piece of work that is able to engage all audiences is truly a great one.
I think that in order for a piece to be appealing, it must also have a purpose of some sort, no matter how important or seemingly trivial. I would find it very hard to write about nothing and still be able to capture the reader.
-Berk
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ReplyDeleteGood writing is able to convert. It is able to put forth an idea or perspective so succinctly and beautifully that it first opens the mind, then convinces it. It should be able to create reality, not only as a painter recreates an image, but as a lawyer proves to a jury that no other reality exists. I've often found my perception of time distorted when captivated by a novel simply because, for a short time, it becomes my reality. Even in fiction, good writing manipulates our minds by sparking our imagination and mental imagery. I recognize quality literature or poetry if, out of the text's sheer imagery, my imagination creates the scene or character from the text as I read it. When I read, I want to be removed from my reality to be convinced of or imagine another. I mean, how many people waited for their letter from Howarts on their eleventh birthday?
ReplyDeleteGood writing draws the reader in. It draws them in so much, that when the piece is finished, they are left wanting more. Not only does good writing demonstrate exemplary descriptions and perfect grammar, but it also reaches out to the reader and touches him/her. It makes the reader feel as if he/she is in the exact situation that is being depicted. It paints a picture for the reader that is clear and unambiguous, yet still leaves room for interpretation.
ReplyDeleteWhen a writer can say so little while still making such an immense or abstract point, the reader is left with the most satisfaction. Good writing must always prioritize making the reader a better learner.
On the most general level,all good writing must contain two essential characteristics. First and foremost, it must be easy to understand for the intended audience.Convoluted and cumbersome writing does nothing to further the piece's quality. If the intended audience can't understand what's going on, how can they hope to understand what it means? From this point, it could be concluded that good writing must also have some sort of intended message.Whether the message is sublime or mundane, it better have some sort of message that it is trying to get across to the intended audience.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that people have so frequently mentioned that a piece of good writing requires that the reader be engaged and "tantalized". Perhaps this applies to literature, but the assignment asked about the art of writing in general. When I read a technical manual on how to assemble something, I don't want to see my instructions described in a poetic manner. I want step by step instructions that tell me exactly what to do and how I should do it. As for a scientific paper, the goal is not to captivate the reader. It's to get across a clear description of the results and the implications of such results. In both of these examples, it's simply not important that the reader be "tantalized".
In other words, style is heavily dependent on what the author is trying to accomplish. Therefore, the only things all good writing have in common are clear language and an intended message.