Today Fandango’s provocative question is:
In the context of blogging and writing, what do you think is more important: what you say or how you say it?
I used to think that what you say is the most important, as good content will always be read. However, as I’ve moved a bit further along the writing learning curve I’ve realised that it’s no use just jotting down something in any old fashion… you need to write your content down in a good and proper way for people to appreciate and enjoy. You have to pick your way carefully through the writing minefield, as readers will soon pick you up on bad grammar, bad spelling, poor sentence construction, too many adverbs and too many repeated words.
You start off writing your first novel and think that you’ve written a masterpiece. After it’s been edited it’s quite disappointing to see all those red marks with the sure and certain knowledge that you’ve got to rewrite the whole thing again – maybe several times. There’s always a better way to write your first novel, and what you do write in that novel says a lot about what you’ve learned about the writing process (by that time… nothing).
I wish I hadn’t rushed my first novel ‘Mind Games’ and had taken more time to re-write it. In this way the week-long nail-biting discussion by agents from the Susijn Agency about whether or not to represent me back in 2013 might have come out in my favour.
So yes… it’s how you say it that matters.
How you say what you say matters most.
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It does, especially if you want it to be read.
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Exactly!
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Agreed, it’s definitely how we come across with our words. As for our first books, I think we all think about redos but we continue to write and get better each book ❤
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Hopefully, yes! x
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HI Stevie, this was also a lesson for me. When I started writing, I didn’t know much about presentation of stories so I also underwent a steep learning curve. It has been worth it and my writing is better now. It improves all the time. I have not read your first book, but all of your books I’ve read have been great reads.
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Thanks Robbie. I have re-written the first book.
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I recently had to apologize to someone who had misinterpreted my words. I’m taking some responsibility because if the message isn’t clear, the writer needs to take ownership.
My general feeling is they’re both essential in blogging and writing. If one element is deficient, it weakens the piece.
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Very true, I agree that both are needed. However, I had to make a choice as the question only asked for one.
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“…readers will soon pick you up on bad grammar, bad spelling, poor sentence construction, too many adverbs and too many repeated words.”
I totally agree. No matter the content, if a writer’s or blogger’s work is full of such errors, I will move on.
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Thanks for your comment. Both are needed really, but as you say, too many errors and authors will lose readers.
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My wife the professor struggles with this constantly. It’s both. If you have nothing to say, but say it well, it’s useless. Phatic catch phrases, cliches strung together. Like a checkstand tabloid. Best to have something to say and say it well. A process lost on news broadcasters whose copy would lead you to believe a man was shot in the parking lot, rushed to the hospital and died. What part of the body is the parking lot? Whatever you do with words make it matter, and paint it well.
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Well said, Phil. You’re not a man of phatic phrases.
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I haven’t published a novel, but I completely agree with you. Something written thoughtlessly and carelessly is never enjoyable to read. (At least it isn’t for me.)
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes, I’ve learned this over the past few years. Thanks for your comment, Pete.
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How you say things is important as there can be misunderstandings, even in emails and blog responses as well as in stories. The written word can be tricky and clarity is important. I have been caught out on this a few times.
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Yes, and people can mis-read what you’ve written and take it the wrong way.
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I keep saying this – Richard Lanham’s Revising Prose. Not so much in casual, conversive writing, or always in creative writing. ALWAYS in situations where your meaning needs to hit the mark. Without being misconstrued. The point of rhetoric is understanding how to address a particular audience. Be it an audience of one or many.
It also helps to avoid situations where you can see the writing on the wall, keep your mouth shut and move on. He said. To himself.
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