When space constraints started to seriously affect newspapers I discovered - as may others, I am sure, have - how much more difficult it is to write short. It has since become second nature to me and I have concluded that, when it comes to writing, I am a sprinter, not a marathoner. But one of the great things about writing short is how much attention to brevity requires you to pay closer attention to form. And how much the shape of what you say has to do with what you are trying to say. It is fascinating to see just how much you can leave out and not only make your point but make it better than you might have had you been able to go on more.
But enough said. Do read "Rhythm Method," to which Henry links.
But enough said. Do read "Rhythm Method," to which Henry links.
nice set of comments, too! (note whose is first).
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you agree with Henry about D minor, Frank.
I did indeed note whose comment was first! As for D minor being the saddest key. I am listening to Bach's second cello suite, which is in that key and so far, while hardly joyful, it isn't exactly sad. On the other hand, the sarabande in the sixth suite, which is D major, is a true cri du coeur.
ReplyDelete