Ok, I just stumbled upon writing advice in a book I was reading. A publisher was advising a writer to dial it done notch saying "Why use a ten dollar word when a ten cent one will do?"
That had me thinking that might apply to me I tend to drift to ten dollar words, using words that make it seem like I know darn well what I am writing about...or does it depend who you are writing for ?
and well I couldnt just take advice from a fictional character even if in a somewhat bestseller novel...
@ Adrian Sroka I LIKE Charlotte's Web. But White also wrote Stuart Little. And I balk at taking literarary advice from the author of THAT rubbish.
Jimmy, you are entitled to your opinion, but I believe would-be authors are doomed never to be published if they write in the passive voice.
Best-selling award-winning contemporary authors like, Michael Morpurgo, Joanne Harris, Anne Fine, Geraldine McCaughrean, Malorie Blackman, Sharon Creech, Philip Pulman and Patrick Ness write in the active voice.
Every would-be author should read, The Elements of Style
by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White (Charlotte's Web)
It's a short read that will improve a writers style. Copies can be bought cheaply on Amazon.
@ Adrian Sroka:
Much as I admire Orwell, he could be very opinionated... and not always right.
Quote from Homage to Catalonia:
"... I went to have a look at the cathedral [sic... he meant the TEMPLE "Sagrada Familia"]—a modern cathedral, and one of the most hideous buildings in the world. It has four crenellated spires exactly the shape of hock bottles ... I think the Anarchists showed bad taste in not blowing it up ..."
Another writer wrote "You have to love it or hate it: there's no middle ground."
I soon decided that I love it... it's one of the most anarchistic buildings in the World... and I'm glad that the Anarchists back then recognised that and didn't even deface it because of its intended purpose.
Back on topic: Did you notice that Orwell wrote "hideous" and not "ugly"? (Breaking rule ii)
Orwell had a bee in his bonnet about fancy prose. That whole list of rules shouts: "Keep it as simple as you can!"
Well, tell me which of the following you find
a) easier to read.
b) more interesting.
1) "Xpltr," said Nigel.
"Prtyuic," said Audrey.
"MNHTRI" said Nigel.
"Shhhhh! You'll wake Granny!" said Audrey.
"Oh, NGTHYJ!" said Nigel.
"Ngtrewqytxc," said Audrey.
OR
2) "Xpltr," said Nigel.
"Prtyuic," replied Audrey.
"MNHTRI" shouted Nigel.
"Shhhhh! You'll wake Granny!" whispered Audrey.
"Oh, NGTHYJ!" swore Nigel.
"Ngtrewqytxc," warned Audrey.
Personally, I'm bored with boring writing. And the passive sometimes is just what is called for. SORRY, George! I meant to write: "Sometimes one calls for the passive."