Writers: What do you think classifies as "good writing"?
A good majority of the questions types here are "help me with my homework" and "feedback on my paragraph". I find the latter interesting because no matter what, there is always vast opinion. What I find terrible, someone else could find fantastic. So I was wondering, what do you guys consider "good writing"? What makes a "good writer"? What makes a "bad writer"?
BQ: Besides writing, what other hobbies do you have? BQ2: When was the last time you felt discouraged? BQ3: Do you think you're a good writer? BQ4: How is your day going today?
2010-10-20T15:39:56Z
@Wanderer: My day just started (It's 6:40AM here), but so far, it's going quite well. Thank you for asking~
Interesting answers, everyone! I'm also quite proud to see music and videos games for the first BQ. P:
Kelly2010-10-20T15:42:55Z
Favorite Answer
I think good writing is when there is character development throughout the book. I think good writing is when the writer can go on and on about the description of a red lamp and not once lose the reader's attention. I think good writing is when a writer could describe a cathedral from the 1500's with stunning stain glass windows, and beautifully carved pews, and have the reader get a perfect image of it inside their head, all with in just one or two sentences.
A good writer can make the reader laugh and cry, a good writer can make the reader be so mad they want to throw something, and so happy they get tears of joy. A good writer keeps the reader on their toes, and always has them wondering what's next. A good writer makes you feel love for the inanimate object called a book. A good writer even makes you feel hate for the inanimate object called a book. A good writer doesn't tell the story, but rather shows the story. A good writer can make you question everything you ever believed.
A good writer has good sentences structure. A good writer makes you sit there in awe of their wittiness. A good writer is clever with their descriptions. A good writer knows when to follow and break the "writer's guidelines." A good writer makes the reader passionate about the story. A good writer makes terribly cliche` plot original. A good writer writes good books.
BQ: It's times like this that a feel terribly awkward. Because that's always the first question somebody asks you when you first meet. "So what do you like to do for fun?" And really, reading and writing are about the only hobbies I have. I don't play any instruments, and I've never really been into sports. Things like fashion don't interest me in the least. And I have a strong dislike of most animals. I guess I like arguing. And music. And... I have quite the bland personality.
BQ2: Last time I felt discouraged? Um, I honestly can't remember. People around me insist that I have memory problems, and that I recall things that never happened. I think I must get it from my mother.
BQ3: I think that I'm an okay writer for my age and experience. Better than Stephanie Meyer or Cornelia Funke, anyway.
BQ4: My day has been pretty good! I babysat my niece today, who happens to be the cutest little premature six-month-old anyone ever saw.
Good question. I'd give you a hundred stars if I could. Unfortunately that would mean me making 99 other accounts, which I just don't have time for at the moment.
This is a loaded question, really, and I am unsure how to answer. The thing is, everyone will have a different opinion. Ergh-- sometimes I hate being wishy washy-- there have been quite a few questions I am on the fence about today. =P Bad writing will quickly show itself both by it's fans and it's haters. *cough*
Moving on...
BQ: I love the outdoors. I used to hike a lot-- not so much since I moved to the city and probably not again for a while.
BQ2: Ummm... Everyday for the last few weeks.
BQ3: Yes. Other might disagree and that's fine with me. I know I am not a *fantastic* writer.
BQ4: I took a few days off from work and my professors are letting me pretty much do what I want right now-- submitting assignments over e-mail and corresponding the same way-- even my other midterms they are letting me do as take home projects. Today-- I have been absolutely lazy.
1. A good writer has proper structure, a good and original plot, complete sentences, and something that really gets you interested. Usually, people judge writing on the storyline, which isn't always what classifies something as "good writing."
2. Other hobbies I have are flute, piano, preforming arts, dance, art (drawing, painting, etc.) swimming, softball, ice skating, and shopping.
3. When my parents told me I was going no where in life.
4. Yes, I honestly do think I am a good writer. Descent would probably describe me better though. I know I can write well, I almost always get positive feedback, but there are always things that need to be improved.
5. Very well, thank you. I got a nice looking report card, and I started writing something new.
A good writer is able to say what they need to in as few words as possible, yet manages to create a vivid, detailed picture of what is happening - I hate it when writing feels cluttered and filled with unnecessary adjectives. A lot of my favorite writers have very original 'voices' and I think that it's a sign of good writing if it 'sounds' different from every other writer on the web. But the main quality of good writing for me is that it makes me want to keep reading - if someone can get me hooked into the story, they must be doing something right!
BQ: Reading (of course) and swimming - not as part of a team, just for myself! I'm also big into drama and theatre. BQ2: About two days ago? I had an idea for a book/story but I couldn't work out a major flaw in the plot... very irritating and discouraging. In the end I started writing something else to give myself a break and take my mind off it. Now I'm finding that I actually quite like what I came out with... BW3: I like to think I'm adequate, but never perfect! BW4: Good, thanks for asking! :)
It's quite an expansive question really and I could go on all night listing them. But my main beef is writers who give out too much information when I start to read something. I think a good writer must be able to hold back the details you want but without dragging his or her feet in doing so. BQ: I play the guitar and I LOVE movies BQ2: Every couple of hours while writing. I'm my own harshest critic. BQ3: No, Nor should I. Nor should anyone. There is always room for improvement BQ4: My day is almost over, and I can't wait for the next one.