A young writer is easily tempted by the allusive and ethereal and ironic and reflective, but the declarative is at the bottom of most good writing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Good writing relies on clear statements rather than overly complex or indirect language.
- In plain terms
- Direct statements are more important than fancy or vague language in writing.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize clarity and directness in writing.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is directness always better in writing?
- When does complexity help?
Another view
Some contexts require nuanced or indirect communication.
More from Garrison Keillor
A minister has to be able to read a clock. At noon, it's time to go home and turn up the pot roast and get the peas out of the freezer.
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