C.S. Lewis
This week's pondering is on books; and on these weeks, I nearly always grant myself license to ponder books, reading and writing - seems fair. Smile.
Today's quote is a great reminder for me whenever I try to write and or describe things. I imagine it is an early version of "show don't tell". The notion or idea of not simply describing in detail what a thing is or how you want a reader to respond.
I think good writing nearly always asks us as readers to get involved, to bring our own thinking and imagination to the show, to add in details, or draw on experiences. Rather than simply being told what something. Or how to feel.
When writers use similes that suddenly open up our understanding or encourage us to feel differently, it is a wonderful experience. I often stop, pause, take a breath and think wow - what a great way to 'explain' it.
Nevertheless this is challenging work and it so much easier to simply say or describe something, rather than write it in a way that encourage the imagination and involvement of the reader.
For me, his final sentence gives us a very clear reason why we should try harder. It really is a bit weak and a bit lazy to have readers do the work for you. Onwards!
Books I dip into and return to help me think about beautiful writing...
This is a thought-provoking post, and that quote is one to sit up and take notice of. I have "Poemcrazy and love it, many quotes from there are written down to keep close. II recently bought "Writing Landscape" after your mention of it on my blog and its next on the reading list. A friend recently sent me an interview the writer Robert MacFarlane did with David Perell on what makes for good writing and it had me scribbling notes throughout (and is a joy to listen to).
ReplyDeleteWhere I really notice myself falling short is in my comments in social media, often using those words "beautiful" and "delightful" instead of words and phrases that tell a better of what I'm seeing and feeling.
Your writing has caused to stop and think again about writing and the ground effects good writing can have, in all the things we take a pen to.
Sometimes there can be so much in a small or short quote. I loved this one and really needed the reminder. When I sit and think to write poetry I do get better; but in my general writing I can be a bit lazy. So interesting to think bout how to improve things and make things more interesting and exciting for readers. Enjoy the pondering!
DeleteSince I first read it, many years ago, this C. S. Lewis quote has haunted me every time I sit down to write something other than a shopping list. As I start to go for the lazy word, I picture him sadly shaking his head.
ReplyDeleteWow - that is a powerful thing to have had this quote alongside you for so long prodding and reminding you! That image in your mind of him sadly shaking his head is a classic! I shall continue to try to do better myself...go well.
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