Saturday, August 21, 2010

Do What's Appropriate

I sometimes find writers that have an internal conflict when they write: Their character is saying or doing something that the writer personally loathes.  One of the top issues has got to be speaking mannerisms.  A major sign of terrible writing is when all characters sound exactly the same. Yet, some writers just can't help it.

"I hate using 'cuz' or 'gonna'."  "We have rules of grammar.  They have to be followed."  "I just like the way it sounds; it sounds good to me."  These are the kinds of things that such writers say.  Sometimes it's used as an excuse or a justification.  Sometimes it is an honest belief.  But in either case, it's pretty boring.

You have to do what's appropriate.  If rules need to be broken to make a better story, do it.  If you have to leave what you are comfortable with, don't be afraid.  Just do it.

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