Writer's Craft #120: Editos

 

http://clarionfoundation.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/writers-craft-120-editos/

 

Do you commit editos? They are like typos, but instead of typing "the" for "she" the resulting mess is due to splicing incompatible sentence constructions.

 

Here is an example...

 

Herver hadn't held out much hope of spiritual influence working against hard core fanatics like the followers of Dod, but it had been the only way he could think of to helping when the fighting broke out.

 

I suspect the gate-way drug to clunky sentences is the dreadful rules we always cling to and the idea that first we need to learn them before we break them.  

 

This is too passive.  That one is not showing.  That one shows, but not enough, add some complication in there.  Somewhere during refining our work we go to far. 

 

 In landscape painting, one of the rules is not to over mix the colors.  You end up with mud.  Another rule is to have a good focal point and everything should work to lead the viewer to that point.  My favorite is that the viewer, is standing six feet away and her brain is filling in the blanks.

 

Even in photography there is talk about subject, background, setting, light, mood.  If a photo is too busy the result is confusion.

 

Most of life can be applied to writing.  

 

Before I start sharing how an 'edito' can happen during dog training or home decorating I'll just suggest coming to the Writer's Chatroom.  We can discuss all of the 'editos' I put in this email.  

 

Sometimes the first time through is the best time through.

 

Sally

 

Join us tonight to discuss "editos" for the first hour. We'll take any other questions you may have in the second hour.