On Writing

On Writing

There are two types of writing

1. For oneself where anything goes.
2. For others. Here the reader rules. Is the writing understood? Does it help the reader?

In answering these last two questions I have been guided by two women.

1. Our church caretaker who asked “ What would our toddlers’ mums make of that?” ( A toddler’s mum could be a girl just out of school or a high flying intellectual.) A crude guide is to keep both sentences and words short. Brevity is the key to clarity.
2. My mother who asked, “ How does that help me make a better rice pudding ? Our writing must touch our reader’s life. Contact is the key to impact.

Peter M. Grinham 16^th September 2017