I just finished reading “The Wanted” by Robert Crais.
As I reflected on the book, I realized the one thing that kept me coming back to his books was his ability to express himself and to convey emotions with sparse, condensed text. His plotting is good but most books by traditionally published authors have good plots.
When I think about what I call ‘tight writing,’ another author comes to mind.
I have read just about every word John Sanford has written and I believe he is another author who believes in ‘tight’ writing. I do know Mr. Sanford was a Pulitzer prize winning reporter in another life, so undoubtedly, that’s the source of his ability.
Think about it! Which authors grab you as purveyors of tight prose? Does their writing drag you into the story?
I’ve just reviewed some pages I have written for my forthcoming book to check my ‘tight’ writing. Rewrites coming up.
I hope this post was ‘tight’ enough.
Until next time,
Ed
Thanks for the tight writing reminder, from another 77-year old, with roots in Alaska and the Himalayas, but currently residing in Washington State (near Portland, OR). You can see my writerly posts in two places — my blog ‘Himalayan Snows’ at http://dmesserschmidt.blogspot.com/, and at http://www.facebook.com/Don-Messerschmidt-Publications-137149876354075// I am about to close the FB site down, however; then I
ll stick solely to the Himalayan Snows blog. Keep on writing, tightly!