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September 04th Question: Since it’s back to school time, let’s talk English class. What’s a writing rule you learned in school that messed you up as a writer?
Keep (Most) Sentences Short and Punchy. How on earth is this possible?
I didn’t learn this writing rule at school. Instead, I’ve seen it on the web/around in writing circles/writer groups.
Here’s the funny part – I love writing flash fiction but I love long, winding sentences. A repetitive short sentence structure would become monotonous after a while. On the flip side, too many long sentences could mean that you may lose the reader. A balance between long and short should do the trick. It will also create a lovely rhythm!
I always think of the following short example from Gary Provost which demonstrates what happens when a writer experiments with sentences of different lengths:
I don’t have to tell you which sentence above is my favourite (hint: it’s bright and sunny)
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Happy IWSG Day!
Shorter sentences are also good for action scenes when you want to move things along at a rapid clip.
Michelle, love your post. How surprising that I just quoted Gary Provost yesterday to a writer I’m coaching. I loved his book, Make Every Word Count.
Michelle, you write how you want to write because that’s YOU.
I tend to run super short with my sentences. At least that’s what ProWritingAid keeps telling me when I run the reports. But I can appreciate a decently long sentence, especially when it’s pretty. 🙂
Write music. I like that!
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Adventures in Audio: Recording and Publishing a Podcast
All good writers have their own style of writing. Repetition is out. Continuous choppy sentences are out. Long, flowing sentences that go on forever? Use sparingly and be sure the reader is with you at all times. I hated reading Henry James in college. I always got lost in the prose. But then again, I’m a short story and essay writer.
I’m sure YOUR long flowing sentences are much better than James’. All best to you, Michelle!
I’m glad I didn’t get told that from a teacher in school. I do enjoy short and punchy sentences, but all the time? Nope.
That’s so funny, my teachers wanted long–not run on long–sentence. We were told to pad them with adjectives and adverbs!
Yeah, there’s got to be variety. Like Alex says, short sentences are good for upping the pace and tension.
Love that example! Thanks for sharing it. 🙂
Hi Michelle – I’ve adjusted my writing style to the way I blog … relatively short paragraphs, easy sentences … and obviously a lot of ellipses !!?? I just carry on learning … cheers Hilary
I definitely think sentences can make music with those various lengths!