In Chapter 6, "Diction," Trimble exhorts writers to pay attention to several qualities of word choice. Which advice felt familiar (or perhaps necessary) for you to apply to your own writing?
In this chapter about diction, Trimble offers three specific pieces of advice regarding conciseness, vigorous verbs, and freshness. The section about "vigorous verbs" mostly discussed the use of active and passive voices. Trimble asserted that the active voice should always be used in writing. I completely agree with this statement, as it is one that teachers have drilled into my head. When I write, I find it useful to use the active voice, and it has become a habit, though I do catch myself in the passive voice a lot.
In reflecting over this chapter, I do find one major area with which I struggle, conciseness. So often, I find myself writing extremely flowery, embellished, and long sentences. Even this past sentence could have easily been said in half as many words: Often, I find myself creating lengthy and embellished sentences (3 words less, and could probably be shortened even more!). It has been pounded into my being to write in order to reach a certain "length goal." This reinforces the habit of creating too many words with not enough substance, a quirk in my writing that needs to be corrected.
In reflecting over this chapter, I do find one major area with which I struggle, conciseness. So often, I find myself writing extremely flowery, embellished, and long sentences. Even this past sentence could have easily been said in half as many words: Often, I find myself creating lengthy and embellished sentences (3 words less, and could probably be shortened even more!). It has been pounded into my being to write in order to reach a certain "length goal." This reinforces the habit of creating too many words with not enough substance, a quirk in my writing that needs to be corrected.
Your post here seems dependent on some old model you have for completeness and correctness. (Let's call this good-girl-writing.) What I mean is that you account for the question and all three of Trimble's mandates for improving diction.
ReplyDeleteBut what have you actually expressed in direct response to the question? You are so responsible to the activity of writing righteousness that you have neglecting the idea.
This sort of deflection reminds me of someone hosting a dinner party who sets a beautiful- looking table, complete with crystal glasses, a floral centerpiece, candles, and linen but neglects to cook the meal.
What I suggest -- when you have these mad rush inclass freewritng jam opportunities, throw out the question and jump in.
Enter talking.
Use the freewriting time to record first thoughts (which are often very, very honest).
You will be add the correctness later.