I like the idea of balancing long sentences with punchy ones. However, what if our unique voice is one that has depth and naturally writes longer and more 'complicated' sentences? I am often attracted to writing like this. I learn new words, and I am taken on a journey with a long sentence that seems to hold me for a while and then releases me with new thoughts and emotions.
The voice is more important in my opinion than the sentence length, so if that works for you go for it! The sentence length is just something to be aware of and able to use even if at a low frequency. Thanks for reading, Paulina!
The best writers write very long and very short sentences. Write long and intensely complicated sentences that seem to drag on and on and on until one would figure you'd have run out of breath by now and yet still you go on like Victor Hugo simply because you can and no one can stop you. But also short ones.
I thought I wrote well in high school; I topped my class. But you'd have given me a battle and it would have been fun. Most teens aren't interested in wrestling with words or wringing emotion from their readers. You have a great voice. I hope you find satisfaction on this path and continue.
Well, there are certainly truths in your post. Yet, I can’t help but wonder how much of our authentic voice is lost in the attempt to make it easily digestible for the masses. I write my philosophical introspections and reflections—raw yet soothing thoughts that blend the philosophical with the poetic. Perhaps I’m entirely mistaken, but I’m not willing to sacrifice this authenticity merely to cater to the crowd. Right?❤️
I’d say it depends on what you’re writing. For example, my style is more informal and is generally unserious. However, if you’re writing pieces like you say are more formal, like philosophy, then by all means a more sophisticated writing style is better suited for that. Just know when writing in that style, you may alienate some readers, which is fine if you’re writing what you love. Anyway, thanks for reading, Violet!
Language and the way humans use it changes, adapting to the time doesn't mean it is less thought inducing. I mean look at a series like The Hunger games, YA, simplistic, easy to read and hoods a short attention span captive. Yet is a modern classic and packs heavy punches just like old classics do. No sacrifice to authenticity.
Wow... I just thought of what i lack in my writing, how can i write effectively and these wisdomy-improving-writing style key points popped up in my mind out of nowhere this morning. And here i am reading them in such a humorous fluent voice. What a coincidence.
By the way it's afternoon here right now. Have a good day!
I think it has a place but needs to be done a little more subtle. After every post I shamelessly self promote, but I do it with a joke. Not sure if that’s the best way to do it, but I’ve found humor is often a great avenue.
It struck me Funny “Wise wise words of a high schooler…”
Truly a man after my own heart. In the timeless words of William Shakespeare, "A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool."
I shall henceforth follow your advice and tips in this amazing substack post. I'm new to substack but I've always written. And the one big, main thing that I am always working on is my voice--how to make it sound ME.
As a perfectionist, I tend to force my writing to be more like a certain way, believing that that is what makes the composition good. Nice adverbs, nice sentence structure, nice adjectives, etc but then I do overlook a few important elements. Write like you talk is a great tip to stand by. I keep a journal so I guess I should study how to make my writing align with the voice in my journal :)
This is so true. As a self diagnosed perfectionist myself I hear you: it’s so hard to make your writing sound like you. Keep writing though and it’ll come! Thanks for reading, Syma!
"Chat-GPT is a horrible writer. It’s redundant, has no structure, and has the pizzazz of a dead antelope."
LOL!
Thanks for reading Scott!
Loved that line as well.
I like the idea of balancing long sentences with punchy ones. However, what if our unique voice is one that has depth and naturally writes longer and more 'complicated' sentences? I am often attracted to writing like this. I learn new words, and I am taken on a journey with a long sentence that seems to hold me for a while and then releases me with new thoughts and emotions.
The voice is more important in my opinion than the sentence length, so if that works for you go for it! The sentence length is just something to be aware of and able to use even if at a low frequency. Thanks for reading, Paulina!
That makes sense, and of course, I enjoyed it!
The best writers write very long and very short sentences. Write long and intensely complicated sentences that seem to drag on and on and on until one would figure you'd have run out of breath by now and yet still you go on like Victor Hugo simply because you can and no one can stop you. But also short ones.
Great tips! I loved how you emphasized your point by the way you wrote it. Form reflecting content.
Thanks Gloria! I’m so happy someone understood the message!
Greetings, Charlie
I thought I wrote well in high school; I topped my class. But you'd have given me a battle and it would have been fun. Most teens aren't interested in wrestling with words or wringing emotion from their readers. You have a great voice. I hope you find satisfaction on this path and continue.
Thanks so much! I wish we could’ve battled it out, thanks for reading!
Well, there are certainly truths in your post. Yet, I can’t help but wonder how much of our authentic voice is lost in the attempt to make it easily digestible for the masses. I write my philosophical introspections and reflections—raw yet soothing thoughts that blend the philosophical with the poetic. Perhaps I’m entirely mistaken, but I’m not willing to sacrifice this authenticity merely to cater to the crowd. Right?❤️
I’d say it depends on what you’re writing. For example, my style is more informal and is generally unserious. However, if you’re writing pieces like you say are more formal, like philosophy, then by all means a more sophisticated writing style is better suited for that. Just know when writing in that style, you may alienate some readers, which is fine if you’re writing what you love. Anyway, thanks for reading, Violet!
Language and the way humans use it changes, adapting to the time doesn't mean it is less thought inducing. I mean look at a series like The Hunger games, YA, simplistic, easy to read and hoods a short attention span captive. Yet is a modern classic and packs heavy punches just like old classics do. No sacrifice to authenticity.
I hung on to every sentence! As always, amazing, Charlie.
Thanks Noah, appreciate you man!
You really do a great job!
what if metaphorically we did want to choke our readers? asking for a friend! 😅
Im not very experienced doing that in a metaphorical sense. Physically, I’m your guy. Otherwise I have no idea
Wow... I just thought of what i lack in my writing, how can i write effectively and these wisdomy-improving-writing style key points popped up in my mind out of nowhere this morning. And here i am reading them in such a humorous fluent voice. What a coincidence.
By the way it's afternoon here right now. Have a good day!
Nice. I liked the meta layer of self-awareness. This was different. My question: how much value do you put on shameless self-plugging?
Such as me commenting, “read my story, The Glaciermen. It’s thrilling, different, and a wild ride,” on otherwise unrelated post that I appreciated…
I think it has a place but needs to be done a little more subtle. After every post I shamelessly self promote, but I do it with a joke. Not sure if that’s the best way to do it, but I’ve found humor is often a great avenue.
Nice! (Working on brevity)
Haha, you’re already an expert! Thanks for reading Matt!
It was a good read. Better than a lot of the other guides to writing floating about.
Dude! I read your about page. Brilliant! Gawd I laughed!! Thank you!
Wow. I am touched that someone found it. Glad you enjoyed my about page? I guess?
It struck me Funny “Wise wise words of a high schooler…”
Truly a man after my own heart. In the timeless words of William Shakespeare, "A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool."
I wasn't going to subscribe, but then I saw the definitely not illegal bribe, and decided to.
Oh yeah the definitely legal bribe is what always gets em
I shall henceforth follow your advice and tips in this amazing substack post. I'm new to substack but I've always written. And the one big, main thing that I am always working on is my voice--how to make it sound ME.
As a perfectionist, I tend to force my writing to be more like a certain way, believing that that is what makes the composition good. Nice adverbs, nice sentence structure, nice adjectives, etc but then I do overlook a few important elements. Write like you talk is a great tip to stand by. I keep a journal so I guess I should study how to make my writing align with the voice in my journal :)
Thanks again!
This is so true. As a self diagnosed perfectionist myself I hear you: it’s so hard to make your writing sound like you. Keep writing though and it’ll come! Thanks for reading, Syma!
well that was mean charlie
had to get your attention somehow. Was it mean? yes. Did it work? also yes.
indeed
I’m not sure if it was the algorithm or the universe who read my thoughts. Whoever/ whatever it might be, I’m glad that I stumbled here.
Whatever it was I’m glad you made it
Part of me wanted to just scroll past for the irony of it, but I actually did read it. You make good points!