How to Write English Prose
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How to Write English Prose
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Re: How to Write English Prose
#2"and the brother of death exacteth a third part of our lives."
It sounds like the man doesn't like naps. I am wary of such.
Re: How to Write English Prose
#3[flagged]
Re: How to Write English Prose
#4Only if you want to write prose for its own sake. Otherwise use language as is it is intended, to convey meaning. The best writing is invisible to the reader.
Re: How to Write English Prose
#5Only if you want to write prose for its own sake. Otherwise use language as is it is intended, to convey meaning. The best writing is invisible to the reader.
I wouldn't say the best writing is invisible. But writing is an instrument to convey meaning. A pretty tool which doesn't do its job is no tool at all; meanwhile, even an ugly tool can build something beautiful.
Re: How to Write English Prose
#6I can recommend Patrick Leigh Fermor as a travel writer. For those who don't know of him, he was the leader of the partisan group wo abducted the German General Kripke in Crete in 1943, filmed as I'll Meet by Moonlight. His books of his pre-war adventures hiking across Europe on foot are a joy to read.
Re: How to Write English Prose
#7Only if you want to write prose for its own sake. Otherwise use language as is it is intended, to convey meaning. The best writing is invisible to the reader.
Can't beautiful or entertaining writing also add a layer of enjoyment on top of the pure content?
You can see this in fiction books (e.g. The Lord of the Rings) and some technical content (e.g. why's (poignant) Guide to Ruby).
Re: How to Write English Prose
#8In addition to the pleasure of reading these lovely prose passages, I learnt a new word: cunctation. Seems it’s a near synonym to procrastination, defined as the act of delaying or putting off doing something.
Re: How to Write English Prose
#9[dead]
Re: How to Write English Prose
#10Only if you want to write prose for its own sake. Otherwise use language as is it is intended, to convey meaning. The best writing is invisible to the reader.
Beautiful writing is more memorable and more enjoyable to read and therefore you're more likely to read it, remember it, and be inspired by it. Hence invisible writing is not the aim, but I agree writing shouldn't get in the way of you understanding something.