Learning to write: To be or not to be yourself

While reading the chapters “Style” and “The Audience” of the book “ On Writing Well ” I came across a good interpretation of the thought that was spinning in my head. The idea concerns a subtle difference and a balance between observing the principles of writing in order to increase the readability of the text and the fact that one has to remain oneself.



Beginner writers may overlook this difference and doubt where they follow principles too much and stop being themselves. I hope this article will help find a balance and dispel these doubts.



To begin with, in the first place, writing is a craft, and each craft has its own principles. In the craft of writing there are such principles as: keep grammar; break the text into (short) paragraphs, each of which expresses a separate thought; use short words; give examples; state your thoughts consistently, without referring to what follows in the text further, and so on. If you do not follow them, it will be difficult for you to read the text and follow the author’s thought - you will be confused; and then it does not matter what the author wrote, because you still do not understand anything. In this case, the fault lies precisely with the author, because it was he who did not cope with his craft and did not convey his thought to you.



Another thing when it comes to what the author writes. He writes about what is interesting to him , because every reader still does not please. The author expresses his opinion. He cannot be blamed for not looking at things with your eyes. He cannot be blamed for the fact that his sense of humor does not coincide with yours. He cannot be accused of being interested in what is of no interest to you. He is a person, and each person has his own opinion and the right to him.

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The subtle difference lies in the fact that adhering to the principles of your craft does not mean not to be yourself. The author ceases to be himself when he tries to write something that will be interesting to his reader, but goes against the ideas of the author himself.



So, beginner writers, learn and follow the principles of your craft and do not be afraid to express your opinion. Even if no one agrees with him. And use that humor that makes you laugh. Even if no one else laughs.