At times, it helps to think of writing as carpentry. That way, writers and editors can work from a plan and use tools stored on their workbench. You can borrow a writing tool at any time. And here's a secret: Unlike hammers, chisels, and rakes, writing tools never have to be returned. They can be cleaned, sharpened, and passed on.
Over the course of a year, Roy Peter Clark presented 50 different writers' tools he has found useful. But he also made a point of uttering my pal Booksquare's mantra ("tools, not rules"):
These are tools and not rules. They work outside the realm of right and wrong, and inside the world of cause and effect. You will find many examples of good writing that seem to "violate" the general advice described here.
Gotcha, Mr. Clark. I was never all that big on "writing rules", myself.
4 comments:
Hey Brenda: the Poynter Online blog entry is a year old, which means gratificacion instante. Just scroll down to the end of the entry to see all 50.
Good deal.
--Chris (dFm)
Hey, how did I miss that? When I clicked over and read the second page I somehow zoomed right past those 49 links at the bottom of the first one.
That's it. I definitely need a nap. But first I suppose I should go edit my post.
Chris beat me to it, but I was going to tell you that all the rules are there. Poynter Online is actually a huge resource for writers, though it's aimed more at journalists. And I like their coverage of media ethics. It's a good place to check out from time to time.
Linda
Hmpf. You might have mentioned that a little sooner, Linda. What other valuable resources are you not sharing with me, I wonder? ;-)
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