Kurt Vonnegut writes a matter of fact inspirational article, How to write with style. In the article Vonnegut gives 8 simple steps on how to become a better writer by generally being true to who you are. He states that by keeping things short and simple for both readers and yourself your personal style will come naturally and from the heart (Vonnegut, 1980, p.66). Also trying to write a masterpiece will not come from trying to write like someone else.
Young American students are who this article is directed towards, because Vonnegut makes comments about his experiences with teachers. Relating his thoughts back to teachers helps a student reader make a connection by experiencing a similar frustration or understanding. One example that he uses is; “The one most vehemently recommended by teachers has no doubt been pressed on you, as well: to write like cultivated Englishmen of a century or more ago.”(Vonnegut, 1980, p.67). I believe that Vonnegut is trying to show up-and-coming writers that striving to write like someone else is not the way to become a great writer.
Using a clearly laid out format of numbered headings allows the readers to easily remember the main points of the essay. One of the most affective points is the first one where he explains the importance of having passion in your subject. Having to write a paper about something that does not matter to you will show through in your writing (Vonnegut, 1980, p.66). Having fun and enjoying writing are the core messages of Vonnegut’s piece, and this also shows through in the pictures that accompany the writing, which show a humorous side.
The paper is somewhat dated and that shows by the actually visual of the paper, but is still seems current maybe that is because the message he sends is somewhat timeless. Vonnegut restates this message as his concluding sentence by saying that you could be the most poetic writer, but when you do not have anything important to say, no one will listen (Vonnegut, 1980, p.67)
So the question I pose is this; what point if any is there to study different types and styles of reading when we should just be ourselves?
Studying different styles of writing allows us to broaden our abilities. One might come across a style of writing that they find intriguing, and choose to incorporate it into their style of writing.
ReplyDeleteIt also allows us to broaden our knowledge of other styles, helping us to find our know styles. This is similar to finding our own philosophy of childcare, through experiencing those of various centers and finding things we like and dislike from them.
ReplyDeleteHi Terrilyn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the excellent post and that wonderful question at the end. We all have a unique voice when it comes to writing and I agree with Vonnegut that the goal is to be authentic in your writing.
But gosh, we can learn so much about writing from reading other writers, like how to structure an essay. For example, How did Vonnegut open his discussion?
Wasn't that great when he called newspaper reporters and technical writers "freaks?" Really? I just wanted to read on to discover why he would say something like that.