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?
