The above is a quote from Dorothy Parker, one of my favorite writers and poets. She’s having some fun with Shakespeare here: “Brevity is the soul of wit.” But Dot walks the talk. She’s one of the first writers I think of who does a lot with a just a bit.
I’ve been reading Roy Peter Clark’s Writing Tools, and it’s been the most enjoyable read for any book of it’s kind.
Today’s tool: No. 10 – Cut big, then small. Prune the big limbs then shake out the dead leaves. My favorite part of the lesson? The example of Tom Wolfe’s editor condensing four pages of what I would only guess was (were? Need a ruling here) masterful prose about his uncle to just six words: “Henry, the oldest, was now thirty.”
I will have to read this book again and again to squeeze all the life out of it, but I know it will make me a better teacher and my students better writers.
You can get a slightly-altered version of this book for free by checking out the “Writers’ Workbench” course on News University, a service of the Poynter Institute where Clark works. It’s free to create an account and there are several excellent online journalism courses there – all free.
BRINGING ON THE WEATHER: Around this time of year, I love to pop on The Weather Channel Web site and check the extended monthly forecast for my area. I can see the fall weather I love so much drawing near. Highs in the mid-80s by the end of September, then high-to-mid 70s around mid-October with lows around 50.
The forecast for my annual trip to the Screams haunted amusement park in Waxahachie? Average high of 83, low of 58 should make for what I affectionately call T-shirt warm, which is close to perfect.
FANTASY FINAL: If things hold course in the Dallas game tonight, I should move to 2-1 and 3-0 in my fantasy football leagues. Chris was not much of a challenge in the Lonestar League today, but Darren’s Dire Straits team, likely to be unbeaten after this week.
My fantasy forecast: A high of kicking butt with a 60 percent chance of taking names.
Corey–
Four pages is only an amount. What you are concerned with is the clause “what was masterful prose.” Prose is the word the verb as to agree with.
Aunt Ann
By: Ann Hale on September 26, 2008
at 10:07 pm
The better weather rules, yo. Whatcha gonna be for Halloween?
By: thefreckledspectacle on October 8, 2008
at 5:46 pm
I have wanted to rent a monk’s outfit, with the robes and hood and what not, and then make a large cross out of an old pizza box and hang it around my neck. Then I’d like to make a halo with little packets of parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper hanging from it.
This would complete my costume.
I’d the patron saint of cheap pizza, St. Francis of a CiCi’s.
By: firstpersonshooter on October 15, 2008
at 8:48 am