I'd like to offer a few thoughts about voice and editing.
There are times for rules and times for forgetting the rules. Craft is always something to master, even if only to ignore.
Despite my repeated warnings about adhering too obsessively to “rules,”
it’s still true that some of my editing clients have craft trip-ups that make
for tough reading. I see clumsy grammar
gremlins, over qualifying, unnecessary attribution to POV characters, cart-before-the-horse
descriptions, etc. They can be distracting and thus detracting.
None-the-less, your voice might lead you to break rules,
In my opinion, great
voice walks right up to the edge of troubled writing… That cliff and its risk make up the writing sweet
spot.
Write brave but keep clarity in mind. And always be careful to protect your
voice.
Remember: It may not be perfect, but it may be right.
Write well. All best from the Inkpot.
I'd love to see examples of voices that break the rules yet still work.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, Inky! I love to see stuff like this! #RulesAreMadeToBeBroken...sometimes. ;-]
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I seem to have lost the link to getting this RSS feed! Had wondered if this was still up and running. Must to get this link back up....