Life
Writing from the Original Position Behind the Veil of Ignorance
I have been thinking and writing about writing a lot these days. Mostly it has been in response to other articles I have come across which suggest various ways you can become a more popular or successful writer. As is my usual m.o., I have taken some of these articles to task with satirical replies that attempt to illustrate with humor just how ridiculous such advice typically is. An example of one of the satirical pieces and one with a (slightly) more serious tone are linked below to give you a sense.
By Everyday Junglist3 years ago in Writers
A Druid and an Elf Walk in a Tavern
The spark of an idea came to me one day when I was working. I had never written for my own enjoyment before, and I found myself imagining the characters my wife and I had played for a Dungeons and Dragons campaign going on adventures of their own. Once I got home, I pulled out the computer and started typing away until I had a full chapter, that I titled “A Druid and an Elf Walk in a Tavern”.
By Georges-Henri Daigle3 years ago in Writers
Why Writing is so Difficult, but Worth its Weight in Gold. . Top Story - August 2023.
Breaking into the writing profession (whether freelance or otherwise) is far from easy. Then again, I was not searching for the writing profession to accept with me with open arms. The profession came to me. In case you are wondering; the structure of this is part memoir, part wisdom.
By Justine Crowley3 years ago in Writers
There is a Price to Be Paid For “Dumbing Down” Your Writing to Appeal to the “Average” Reader
There seems to be some consensus, at least on across the blogosphere, that in order to appeal to the so called “average reader” and maximize readership it is necessary to “dumb down” one’s writings. In the past I have come down very hard against this idea. In particular I take issue with the idea of grade level writing, or trying to keep one’s style and grammar and vocabulary choices at or below a certain arbitrary grade level, sixth and eighth grade seem to be the most common options. The idea being that people are generally not all that smart, not that patient, and will quickly click away from anything that challenges their intellect or in which they encounter unusual words they are not familiar with. Basically anything that makes them to think too much or forces them to come to terms with their own ignorance. Recently a writing colleague on a different site responded to my insistence that I would never dumb down my writing by asking a very simple question, would it hurt to do so? She went on to explain that as a non native speaker of English it is even more difficult for her than for most to keep up with “higher level” writing and she lamented that it was very frustrating having to constantly “go up and get a dictionary” to look up words that she did not know. I will admit the non native speaker was not the stereotype of the person I had in my head when imagining these so called ordinary joe’s and jane’s, and her points had some validity. They certainly forced me to stop and think about my position, and ultimately caused me to write this piece. For that I am eminently thankful to her and her question.
By Everyday Junglist3 years ago in Writers
“The Enchanted Lighthouse”
Once upon a time, nestled on a remote stretch of coastline, there stood a lighthouse that held a secret. Aptly named "The Enchanted Lighthouse," its beacon not only guided ships safely through treacherous waters but also possessed a mystical power that few knew about.
By Mina Ayman3 years ago in Writers
"The Enchanted Forest: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure"
Once upon a time, in a land far away, there existed an enchanted forest, a place where dreams came alive and extraordinary adventures awaited. The forest was home to mystical creatures, shimmering waterfalls, and ancient secrets. Amidst this magical realm, two unlikely friends, Lily and Ethan, embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever.
By Mina Ayman3 years ago in Writers
Feeding the Ducks
I was writing long before I can recall scrawling words with ink. Not on paper but in oral fashion like my ancestors from long ago. I would tell elaborate stories, usually through song, to the trees in our yard or the animals at the barn. As a child, my life was a constant narrated musical of what I was doing, what I wanted, and how I was feeling. So, naturally, the first piece of writing I can remember putting to paper was an echo of a song; a poem.
By Laura Lann3 years ago in Writers
Broken Beauty
Being a poet at an age as young as 11, some might say is impossible. When one thinks of poetry, it is thought-provoking, gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, and how can an 11 year old possibly have enough worldly experience to write anything so meaningful and deep?
By Lizzy Rose3 years ago in Writers
