I work at brevity, to kill off my darlings, a quote attributed to writer, William Faulkner, since my essays can often rival Gone With the Wind.
I think blog readers have a shorter attention span, so it behooves one’s readership to remember this.
I went back and read some oldies and boy, did they need editing. No wonder only three people read them since, who has the time?
But I remind myself, it’s all a part of the learning process, to omit needless words, as Stephen King says, taken from the classic book, Elements of Style.
One of my favorite blogs is Patricia’s Place because she has the gift of clean and spare, as if each word she pens is delicately placed on the page without too much fuss or fanfare.
She selects and polishes, shaves and shapes, like an expert barber snipping split ends.
Of course it looks easier than it is, whittling words, but it inspires me to do the same, or at least try to pare down what it is I’m trying to say.
The definition of brevity…concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.
The economy of language…succinct, crisp, short and sweet.
A talent for pithiness getting your point across clearly, without dressing it up like a woman wearing too many pearls.
Quality over quantity penned in ones humble truth, is certainly the writer I aspire to be.
Like Patricia… 🙂
SB
I’ve read blog posts that are too long to hold my attention, but I never placed any of yours in that category. Not too long. Not too short. The Goldilocks of blogs, actually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well hello Madam, you’ve been MIA. That’s such a nice thing to say, but I truly try to tighten everything I write, and it’s a challenge. I admire those who can kill off their words without tears. But I appreciate your bon mots, if you will. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, sorry about my MIA. I’ve been pulled in many directions of late but am never completely gone; just juggling priorities. As my guilty pleasure, blogging often gets pushed down on my priority list when the list gets long. But then I miss it so.
LikeLike
I understand
LikeLike
Some time ago you wrote about brevity, and I’ve tried to keep my words under control ever since. I like Patricia’s prose, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know you do. I see you icon when I visit her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! I love Gail’s description of “The Goldilocks of blogs” it’s perfect. I’ve never been bored reading your work. Your stories allow us to walk beside you in Central Park or ride the subway with you to Brooklyn. We’ve been to fancy lounges, museums, churches, commercial sets, doctor’s appointments, we’ve laughed, cried, had cocktails, petted dogs, talked to babies, watched nature in action, told people off, and showed mercy to strangers along the way. You provide history lessons, life lessons, grammar lessons, and lessons on how to be kind, generous, grateful, and not a fuck. You provide us with a brief getaway from our realities while connecting us to something new in 500 words or less. That, my friend, is how it’s done ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
And do I now get a trophy of a dog having a cocktail. You’re too much, but will still work on my brevity. Love, Goldilocks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your kind words. You are a always so encouraging! We all have our own style of writing. Yours is quite wonderful and sometimes delightfully wicked and never overly long. Keep on with what you are doing. 😺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I truly love how you write. You’re an inspiration.
LikeLike
Susannah, some of your blogs are longer or shorter than others, but I’ve never thought any were too long. Always an enjoyable start to my morning.
I did technical writing for about ten years and was paid by the word. You better believe I trimmed the excess fat or I wouldn’t have lasted long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love…excess fat. LOL…you sure can turn a phrase my friend…:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seems like you manage to meet that goal regularly.😊
It is hard to murder one’s darlings, but we must harden our hearts to improve our writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true. I strive to improve. Candor and brevity leading the pack.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yours are always short and sweet; makes them easy to read in breaks at work. 🙂 I saw someone post a whole novel once as a blog post. I don’t know anyone with time to read that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. I’ve really learned less is so much more.
LikeLike