give me your thoughts - Page 3 - Writers Forum

Derrick · 05-08-2007, 05:48 PM

Mike: I will respond to one thing in your post that I find out of line. You say how I post here to brag about how good my writing is. False. I post here to actually brag about how much I like my writing, regardless of if you think its insightful or dull. Whatever your opinion may be, it shouldn't matter since the writer is satisfied with the work he/she has created. Unless the person is seeking some form of revision from outside resources, I think that a writer who can make something they are fine with is what it really boils down to. Now, if you were to go and publish something, THEN I could see the point into using others opinions since they are built upon their experience with what's good and bad. But that's not what I'm looking for, I just write because its something to channel my thoughts out for future reference or reflection.

Xion Night: So you like reader friendly stuff because you are readers? But I thought your were writers?! No....I'm just teasing you is all. Again, I have to address something real quick. I think you used the word "style" in the wrong context here. When you really think about this, how can a writer revise their writing style? To me, the way you write is the way you express yourself, so because of that, it doesn't make sense if you try to revise that. If you attempt to "revise"your own style, you will only end up sounding like a hypocrite, obviously meaning being something you are not. I think the right word you were trying to say was "construction". Then again, if that is certainly your point, then you really have no point because it is universal in the writing community and not anything that applies directly to me. So, to you I will return the favor in the childish internet slang of "LMFAO".

ChrisF: Thank you very much. You are the first poster in this thread to offer an opinion that is actually in-depth, surpassed my expectations, and is valid of some agreeing feedback to you. Welcome to the world of purple prose! I'll explain alright? But please, keep in mind that what you read was the FIRST PARAGRAPH. I made the prose so offsetting because I just couldn't refuse an opportunity to express my strong interest in this field of writing. If you really think about this, the subject matter in that paragraph addressed NOTHING in association to the topic. Why you ask? That's because I was fearful of creating your usual opening statement that reads like something straight from a newspaper. Secondly, I use that type of imagery because I wanted to reach beyond just saying stuff without some envisions, to at least give the reader some form of scope or backdrop to see. Again, that is due to my rebellious attitude towards writing anything that the reader doesn't find any ambience in. I will agree that my writing "says a lot about nothing", but I don't want to feel like I'm piecing everything together for them. I do that just in case there are people out there who enjoy some challenge in the writing. And based on everyone here, nobody here wants to read puzzles right? Well I'm sorry, but that's what purple prose is all about....

mammamaia · 05-09-2007, 07:10 PM

Quote:

nobody here wants to read puzzles right? Well I'm sorry, but that's what purple prose is all about

huh?... that's not at all what 'purple prose' is about...

purple prose is about flowery excess and hyperbole...

Quote:

purple prose –noun writing that calls attention to itself because of its obvious use of certain effects, as exaggerated sentiment or pathos, esp. in an attempt to enlist or manipulate the reader's sympathies.

Hodge · 05-09-2007, 07:18 PM

And it's not at all something to aspire to. Purple prose is something you don't want to write.

Shawn · 05-09-2007, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hodge

And it's not at all something to aspire to. Purple prose is something you don't want to write.

Like... Hot Rods to Hell for novels?

Hodge · 05-09-2007, 07:30 PM

No idea.

But I do know that when writing academic papers (unless it's a personal essay), you do not introduce creative elements. You write for an audience who already wants to digest the information or point of view you present, so your goal is to make it as coherent and readable as possible, not dramatic or creative. The sign of a true amateur is one who tries to "foreshadow" his/her topic in the introduction of an academic essay. What you should be doing in an introduction is introducing your topic and stating your thesis.

Shawn · 05-09-2007, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hodge

No idea.

But I do know that when writing academic papers (unless it's a personal essay), you do not introduce creative elements. You write for an audience who already wants to digest the information or point of view you present, so your goal is to make it as coherent and readable as possible, not dramatic or creative. The sign of a true amateur is one who tries to "foreshadow" his/her topic in the introduction of an academic essay. What you should be doing in an introduction is introducing your topic and stating your thesis.

Correct! I've had the luck of having a bitch for an English teacher who thinks she knows everything... because she does. So, I've had a pretty good run down on thesis statements.

Best thing to do is: Introduce the paper, then pump out the driest thesis statement you can.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

Go to "Academic Writing" on the right of the page. I love Purdue... I'll probably be going there.

By the way, "Hot Rods to Hell" was probably the 'B'est (not best) movie I've ever seen.

Derrick · 05-09-2007, 09:49 PM

mammamia: Actually, if you take a look back and not look at it like some spectacle under a microscope, purple prose is a puzzle. What's puzzling about it is the language used in association to the subject, and how the words themselves have no embodiment or purpose in carrying the flow along. If purple prose wasn't a puzzle, less people would hate it and appreciate it for how intriguing it can actually be.

But as you already know, EVERYBODY aren't fans of it and would rather write Pulitzer Prize nominations to get recognized for their seemingly blessed writing skills. Not me.....I'm afraid. I do not seek endless praise for my work, because it feels like everyone would be all lined up saying "It was brilliant"....over and over and over and over again. I seek dissonance, because I feel like if I have something that is ultimately flawed in my writing (the prose), it will keep challenging be to come up with new ways to make something someone would normally find negative,...great. I mean great as in how ironically good, and bad it is at the same time. I guess you could say I want BOTH the distinct worlds of writing.

Hodge: And what will you get for your great writing besides money and satisfaction? I made that ridiculous statement because I wanted you to see how dumb yours was. You cannot tell a writer he or she shouldn't write what they want.....you have no control over anything but yourself. The fact of the matter is, there ARE people out there who like this form of writing as much as you like reading sonnets dedicated to the glistening skins of apples, or the poems that blow you away with overly intricate descriptions and imagery about horses in the outback. Do you want me to offer some more examples of the usual? ^_^

Hodge · 05-09-2007, 10:20 PM

Actually, I was speaking of academic writing, which is what you said you were doing. There is a certain way to write when it's for class—purple prose is not one of them.

Also, note the word "prose" in "purple prose." It doesn't apply so much to poetry, although poetry that is overwrought or overly dramatic is also shunned.

mammamaia · 05-10-2007, 07:04 PM

Quote:

although poetry that is overwrought or overly dramatic is also shunned

and called 'doggerel' if you'd like a label for it...