Hi, remember me?...

I've been neglecting my little crazedparent nook while I soak in the goodness of my new job. The only word that describes my current state of mind is "giddy." I was able to hang out with so many smart, lovely blogging friends over the past few weeks at events in San Francisco and Chicago and I'm guessing my giddiness was visible (Ladies, was I dripping with the gid?) I hate being cryptic, so I'll just say I'm the parenting editor of this new site.

Of late, I've been spending my time thinking about writing. Not my work-related writing, but creative writing. The essays that I love to scribe and read. I find myself asking, What makes a good writer? What differentiates writers like Anna Quindlen from Jodi Picoult? Toni Morrison from Nora Zeale Hurston? Po Bronson from Malcom Gladwell? While they all cover different genres -- fiction, non-fiction, investigative journalism, social commentary -- each of them write stories that lure me in, even when I don't want to be lured. And when I'm done reading, I feel so grateful to have immersed in this journey of words.

I sit down to try to get my own words on paper and find myself stuck in language, my writing voice tainted by what I want to emulate and what is really mine.

Over the weekend I read a wonderful essay by Toni Mirosevich. It was a simple story with a powerful theme. No grandiose metaphors. Just everyday language that was brilliantly coupled, word by word, line by line.

It was just the reminder I needed that big thoughts don't require big words. It's all about the lure of good, solid storytelling. With a splash of bold color.

I think I can do that. Or shall I say, I'm up for the challenge.

What do you think makes good writing? And what authors/essayists/writers do you love to read?

Comments

[pamela]

Looks like an interesting new job. Hope that our paths cross, maybe at the yogurt shop!

[pamela]

Looks like an interesting new job. Hope that our paths cross, maybe at the yogurt shop!

[Jamie Lee]

I've been in the same mode - must be something to do with spring. Although I'm up to my eyeballs in work of the non-creative kind, and haven't even the time to READ something good, never mind write it...I can feel that urge bubbling away just under the surface. It's energizing and painful all at once.
Read the essay by Toni. Thanks for sharing the link. Good way to end the day.
As for what makes good writing...in my mind it's something like what Mimi said - about being sad when the story is over. And I think it's also about finding that place where what you're reading becomes both a window and a mirror at the same time.
Congrats on the job. Hang in. Get creative.

[Jamie R Lentzner]

Congratulations - I feel ike I just crawled out from under a rock, I am so behind on the news. I love reading great books...now you have inspired me to go read a great book, again totally behind.

[creative-type dad]

Congrats on the job!

[Velma]

First, it's wonderful to hear someone be so enthused for a new job - good luck with it!

Writing, huh? Lately, I find that the writers I've been liking are the ones plumbing the interpersonal relationships of the characters. I'm not into the long descriptions these days, or the quirky plotting. I'm all about the witty interplay between (fictional) people.

But if you ask me again in a few weeks, I may be all over the scandinavian noir mystery genre...!

[mimipz5wjj]

Good writing, to me, makes me think or feel good or both.

Like you said, it doesn't have to be "big words" just give me a good feeling or make me think.

When an author pulls you into the story so that you are sad when the story ends, or leaves you wanting more... Love it!

[Amy]

I love to read Karen Kingsbury and Sandra Brown. A good writer is one that can keep your interest and write in great detail to let you 'feel' what the characters feel in the book.

[LuAnn]

I like writing that engages my senses - things that I can see, hear, smell, taste and feel. These seem to turn on the "hopes and dreams" section of my psyche and really draw me in. :)