The Froth

Richard asked me to list three things I believe are necessary for good, powerful writing. I came up with several lists but I didn’t think any of them was definitive or that all of the items were actual prerequisites. Instead, they’d be welcome but not absolutely necessary. I don’t believe there is a single thing (much less three) that if you have it will lead you to good writing.

For example: Being interested in the subject
You can make a mess if you are too interested in the subject sometimes. If you are not careful about it others might feel excluded, or you mind sound authoritative. So it’s not necessary although it helps a lot.

Another example: Being clear
Good poetry is the finest writing product (for me) but it isn’t always clear. It communicates on a different level.

Maybe it’s just a moment of craziness, or a moment of happy absurdity and you have to put it into words. But I am not really sure about that either. I am not a writer. I write for magazines and newspapers. I write what they ask me to write and I get paid. If I was left to my own devices, I’d write a poem every four months. And not get paid for it. If I was really free not to write for work, I’d make images in Illustrator and Photoshop. They communicate what I need to say better. Language has become white noise. People are afraid to use the right words. They fear they won’t sound intellectual enough, or that they will write clichés and are super clever in their writing, or they fear they will sound childish and vulnerable.
Maybe my one necessary thing for good writing would be this: to expose yourselves.

P.S To pass on the tag, I chose: Barrett, Joanna, Devil Mood, Kat, Steph

Song of the day: Monkey gone to Heaven