I love that quote from Provost. I have that book, but came across the quote on the internet years ago. Everytime I read it, it gives me chills. It's amazing how affecting a simple sentence can be when you use the right combination of words, verbs, rhythm, etc. As a writer, it makes me fall in love with writing all over again, everytime I read it.
I was searching for inspiration while stuck a writing project for school. This video is poetry. Words are powerful, magical tools. I hope someday I will be worthy to use them.
The best class that increased my writing skills and feared taking it was “Creative Writing”. It pushed me to not to be afraid to write. It challenge the students to beyond the safety zone. Some of the writing I heard from other students made be blush. I needed to go there if I was to succeed. It was the best class that push me forward and increased my grade average. I still 20 years later remember the stories that were created,
To this day, a few years after I watched this video the first time, it is still the most profound and well-structured essays on literary style I have come across. I keep coming back to it.Thanks!
@@MarkLewis... ehm. I should just ignore this, but for some reason I get a bit offended 😅 I am a completely unrelated guy from Denmark. I kinda want to prove it to you, just because 😅 Want proof? I’m sure there’s an easy way to show you. Also, I really mean what I said. This is a great video 💪🏻✨
@@MarkLewis... 1) good question. I think first of all it manages to put the very complex topic of literary style into words that resonates with me. One example is that the first time I watched it, some years ago, I wasn’t aware of the anecdote with Hemingway and Faulkner. I have used the example ever since, when I have had talks about style in literature. I do think this video has an original approach to the topic. Also, I feel it is very well structured 😊 To your second question: I am not particularly loyal to the person. I don’t know him. But I do admire people who spend time in crafting great work and share it for free. We need more people like that. It’s my personal believe that showing appreciation for people who share their passions free of charge is a decent thing to do. But hey. I know where you are coming from. I also get the feeling sometimes that 90% of all positive UA-cam comment are payed-for bots or friends/family 😅 But this time it’s a genuine comment from a person who just admire some great work.
@@MarkLewis... well, I guess I just have great appreciation for the simple, yet powerful ideas. Just because something is known, doesn’t mean that it is not useful. In the contrary, an idea is usually only popular because it has some fundamental level of usefulness to it. Hearing useful ideas, over and over again, in various forms, is not a bad thing. It’s a way to transform the idea from mere information to internalized knowledge. And I think it’s important to remember that, although this might be old news to some, many young writers have never encountered this idea before. Let’s celebrate teachers who does not shy away from the fundamentals, but embraces it as to keep great (even if banal) ideas alive. And lastly: hey, let’s share some love and positivity for everything that attempts to advance the art of writing. Even if we don’t find it perfect or even useful. The creator of this video clearly put a lot of thought and work into iffy and that’s more than what most of us do, right? ✨🫶🏻 I wish you the best and I hope that all your writing dreams will come true! 💙
What fascinates me are all the things you do as a writer that are considered good practices but come as instinctive. Like varying the length of sentences to provide variety. It’s something so basic that speaks to our common tastes, desires, and humanity.
I believe it is "just" pattern recognition. A (good) brain learns by means of many examples to distinguish between good and bad language. Often, this happens without being consciously aware of it.
This is just outstanding. Clicking on this video in hopes to kickstart my creative writing for the day has turned into a deep rabbit hole that is full of some of the most profound content. The quotes, the multimedia, the new and old stories as well as a great voice over & length on topic. I can not say enough good things about, “HOW TO WRITE A GREAT SENTENCE.”
I am listening to it on loop. It gives me goosebumps and I go straight to write something after watching this. Thank you for such video, music, visuals and the voice.
Every word is a choice, and the act of choosing is inherently ethical. The most important ethic of linguistic style, as with styles of any sort, is to dress for the occasion. - Anonymous
Everything about this video is brilliant. From the initial quote describing how he who writes cannot remove himself from his work, as is evident in Faulkner and Hemingway's books. Instead, one's own style and content are both reflections of the individual, and the lens in which they see the world. Finally I really appreciate how you address the subjective nature of writing. Or at least, the subjective nature of learning how to write better. That is, instead of simply giving advice. Then arguing why the implementation of such ideas would be beneficial. The author gives a seemingly empty demonstration. Allowing the reader to be the judge between the two styles, allowing the reader to realize for themselves, that it is impossible for words to be empty, to conclude that the content of this 'empty' work is not just a lesson on sentence structure, but also a concrete showing on how wherever there is style there is content.
Well said. This video spoke to me. I'm so glad I found it thank you, I agree wholeheartedly and this is exactly what I've been looking for to help finish my book.
Editing a 100,000-word manuscript. Lots of sentence restructuring. This overview, especially when referring to Hemingway is interesting and helpful. Thanks.
I agree. And also find it interesting how most people fall down on the side of Hemingway over Faulkner. Most people can't seem to bear Faulkner. But there's a lot of beauty in him. Thanks OMC. Appreciated.
Ha! Gary Provost is the best how to write author there is. He died too young but his work is brilliantly simple in teaching anyone how to be a better writer. So glad to hear his name mentioned.
This is a fantastic video! It is perfect in content and length. Thank you for creating a compelling video that contrasts a style of writing that resonates, against one that nauseates.
Truly amazing, I've stumbled upon this idea of objective morality, to enhance my writing earlier this year, and honestly the best sources are in fact the religious textures for a comprehensive set of morality
For my money--or my less than humble opinion, Hemingway is a grand writer, but there is the sheer beauty of music and all there is, and possibly ever will be with reading Faulkner.
“It was a fine morning.” E.H. A writer is always open to learning. This is a fine video. I learned a few things that I know will stick. If I watch more, I shall learn more. Thank you to the “author” 👍 The five word paragraph is amazing as well as the subsequent lesson.
This video delivers the goods. It presents its subject matter. It shows the subject's significance. Then, after a protracted preamble with the not too surprising litany of idolatrous praise for writers such as Hemmingway and Fitzgerald, it justifies the title by an excellent example from Gary Provost's book without once mentioning Keats. This is a gem of the purest ray sublime.
Watching videos from you feel like a journey to a different realm, one in which i have always lived yet never seen. Came here after the "how to kill a mockingbird" video and am just stunned.
This is why I fucking like YT. Thank you, dear sir, I somehow really needed these spoken words about the written world, and I didn’t know that I needed.
I find myself trying to improve upon this sort of "compacted purple prose" the one where you squish bigger sentences with common words into shorter (Rather fast) sentences using complex words. Detailed all the way through you could say, less common words (However in middle of being understandable.) Still learning, but here's an example. He headed for his room, trudging upstairs. He reached for the doorknob, and a twist of his fingers opened it, revealing the interior. It was dull and cold, with plastered walls of white and floor made of oak. His gaze lingered on the study desk, which stood in front of a large window. He reminisced the times he looked up the night sky for stars that seemed out of his reach: the faint dotted lights painted upon a moonless canvas-hidden away before the city lights and stuffy clouds. I like the sort where there's not this "narrator" who's describing scenes, but the scene describing itself. Though its nothing more than just omitting 'was' 'were' 'there'
I have been practising writing since 2020, started writing my first novel, and then took a break. So far, I have learned one hardest lesson, which is that you don't need big words or a complex construction of a sentence to tell a sequence, rather you can deliver a message with the usage of proper nouns and verbs. In addition, the minimum usage of adjectives is better for a clear understanding. To conclude, your readability score and literary are not predominant in writing, especially fiction writing and story-telling.
Hi Concars. I haven't read the border trilogy at all, but you aren't the first to mention it, oddly enough. I'll put it on my list, and look to do something about McCarthy. Thank you.
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow reccing his books is like cheating for literary cred since they are so acclaimed.. but honestly, The Crossing is something everyone who loves reading and having their heart broken should experience
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow its a really good ending to the series but a different tone than the first 2. but you'll probably want to see how it wraps up by the time you get there
Mr. McCarthy combined the best aspects of Hemingway and Faulkner (and Melville and John Milton) to become the greatest author in the history of American/English literature.
Oh man, Faulkner is great. That writing is beautiful. Its beautiful. I think of writing like lovemaking, but music is also a great way to think of it. If you listen to great music tho, the way it flows and rises and falls, it is all like lovemaking.
Beautiful depiction, a window to anyone who has a vision to be a storyteller. I cherished this wonderful poetry of lows and highs, the melody in between.
A better world... and then a fade to "The Written World"... well played. Goosebumps as usual, although my lack of reading culture shows through my inability to fully understand the more colourful sentences. Or should I say, melodic. :)
noun: elegant variation "the stylistic fault of studiedly finding different ways to denote the same thing in a piece of writing, merely to avoid repetition." Like music. Simple.
This is an excellent video, you communicate better than any other literary content channel. Clean, direct, and masculine, just like Hemingway! Subscribed.
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow Hi, I’m finishing my first novel. Eventually I will need someone who can translate from Spanish to English. Or I will do a first translation myself and then would need a good native English editor. Any idia how to get the appropriate person for the job?
I'm writing a book. It will contain both terse and florid prose. I believe that this combination will allow the reader to be both stimulated and lulled.
This, and a glance at your channel, has me convinced to subscribe. The flow of this video held my attention until the abrupt stop of the end. Well done
Thanks Kevin. I really appreciate the insight. This is the kind of feedback that really helps us out. I'm glad that you liked it so much. Share with friends? - Make sure you come back for more! And thanks again...🙌🏼
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow Of course! But if I may ask, how come all the videos are done by different voices or narrators? Not sure if narrator is the right word here
I like the part at the end about varying the length of sentences. Morality could be described as a judgement of what is right or wrong. Can someone tell me, in plain language, how style does this? Perhaps a couple of convincing examples. Thanks in advance.
I think that the length of a sentence or a paragraph or the way one chooses to weave and blend them is structured according to the point of view and the inner soul garden of the writer. There are no rules to follow except for the path of the artists truth and his intent. If you want repetition then repeat. If you want to embroider then embroider. If you want concision then be concise.
I can admire Faulkner and Hemingway for their approach to writing, even though I do not particularly like either (though more leaning towards Hemingway). The "how to write a great sentence" thus becomes a matter of taste. "My taste is better than your taste" is outdated, so perhaps the best sentence comes at the crossroads where all tastes agree. Provost talks about the rhythm of a text, of sentences in a sequence, not the perfect sentence in itself.
Think of it like music, or painting. Think classical vs jazz or rock. Or Van Gogh vs Caravaggio or Da Vinci. All very different, but beautiful - depending on your taste, of course...
This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. It’s like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety. Now listen. I vary the sentence length, and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. I use short sentences. And I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes, when I am certain the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with all the impetus of a crescendo, the roll of the drums, the crash of the cymbals-sounds that say listen to this, it is important.
The style and the execution was brilliant. The morality issue, though, the moral dimension of the characteristics of a sentence wasn't clear. I agree but it was rather mentioned than anything else.
Write it. Then edit it and eliminate any unnecessary words. Then read it aloud in front of a mirror. Then edit it again so it flows, like poetry. I think prose is actually a superior form of expression to poetry.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:03 🖋️ *Style in writing is inseparable from content and is a reflection of morality.* 00:33 🛠️ *Aspects of style, including grammar, tone, and diction, collectively define a writer's style, which in turn reflects their moral perspective.* 00:59 📚 *Literary feuds, like that between Faulkner and Hemingway, highlight differing stylistic and moral viewpoints in writing.* 01:14 🖊️ *Faulkner's writing is characterized by ornate, long sentences, influenced by his Southern Christian upbringing.* 01:30 ✂️ *Hemingway's style is concise and laconic, shaped by his experiences as a reporter and modern cosmopolitan influences.* 02:24 🔍 *Faulkner and Hemingway's styles reflect the environments and themes they write about, whether it's the southern heat or city life.* 03:05 📖 *Faulkner and Hemingway's differing attitudes towards language use and vocabulary highlight their distinct literary styles.* 03:31 📝 *Faulkner's tendency to write long sentences contrasts sharply with Hemingway's shorter, more straightforward prose.* 04:41 📈 *Sentence structure in novels represents a spectrum, with Faulkner and Hemingway occupying opposite ends.* 05:09 🧱 *The sentence is the fundamental unit of literature, providing context and unfolding literary meaning.* 06:06 🎶 *Gary Provost's writing illustrates the musicality and rhythm that can be achieved through varied sentence length.* 07:25 🌈 *A dynamic, exploratory writing style, akin to a kaleidoscope, is suggested as more morally expansive and creative.* Made with HARPA AI
Either do a music concert or make commentary about the subject at hand. For the true composer of either discipline, it really is an either or moment. Important moment. Mahalo to the one who thus makes a better eorkd
I’d have to agree with Hemingway. Many young writer’s feel the need to use big words, thinking this will give the writing depth. When in fact it could confuse the reader and take them out of the story.
Style is style period. It can be morality but it can also be amoral. The apex of all creative output contain the three most important things and they are, tone, tone and tone. Tone is your apex. Everything else is tool used for achieving tone.
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow I had a jazz guitar lesson a decade back. The first question the teacher asked me was, what are the three most important things in music. I replied, Harmony, Rhythm and Melody. He replied, Nope. I was like, wait, not a single one of them? He replied, nope. Then he said, he was asked the same question by the then Boston Philharmonic Conductor at the time, who told him the same and then replied to him... The 3 most important things in music are... TONE TONE & TONE. I stopped to think about what he told me for about half a minute and I'd been playing guitar for 15 years at that point and after a second it hit me...He was right. Style is what the man of the street gathers from your artistic output....TONE is what you should focus on, as your ultimate of your delivery. All the things you know about your craft and about the world will come into play but ultimately those little granular aspects are the bricks of the building and not the building itself. The building it culmination of "All" the little things you do to deliver, the FINAL TONE that your audience perceives. They. judge the totality. Your job is to pick the bolts, bricks, workers, etc. that will deliver that ultimate, expression. I can play a "C" note...if I play the 4th then the next interval will be "F" and there will be a strong consonance to just those 2 choices...if I chose the 2nd, then I change the interval characteristics of "C" by choosing a more dissonant path...and so on. Nobody in the audience is judging each note as I play them, they are only judging the totality of what I am delivering. I've carried this practice through out my endeavors and I only use what is necessary to deliver the ultimate TONE I want my audience to walk away with. I only select what is essential to deliver the final TONE, no more and no less. Does that make sense? I think this can be applied to writing as well. I don't think Morality is a primary function of any creative output. I think it's something you chose in your bag of techniques to deliver a TONE. But that is it. What if I was writing a Horror story? Morality may or may not be a component to it.
I think that we agree on the essence of the issue, but our disagreement stems from a semantic point. _Style_ , is the 'apex', from my point of view. In literature, _tone_ is what the writing expresses about pathos towards a subject. So from this standpoint, it is a sub-category of style. When I say 'style', as my video suggests, it means all of the tools that the writer uses, taken as a whole, and expressed in the final work, (if any work is truly ever final). There is definitely a close relationship between music and literature, and so many descriptions do indeed spill over into both. But I think that in this case, we may be overstretching the analogy. Still, staying there, I will say that _style_ is what accounts for the entire musical piece. In terms of Amis' description of morality, his point is a deeper one. He means that even if a work is amoral, or immoral; its style is a _type_ of morality. This isn't a point about ethics - but about how we approach the world. Writing, and especially the aesthetic nature of it, expresses an attitude towards life, even if it's subject matter is as simple - and as complex - as a warm midnight wind blowing through an laburnum tree. I take your point completely, but think that when you say 'tone', and when I say 'style', we are approaching the same reality using different definitions. Either way; I hope you enjoyed the video!
Now I understand why so many writers also dabble in music, and why in turn so many musicians have also written, and why the southern black gospel preacher nearly sings his sermons.
tl;dr Just, use an astonishing amount, of commas in your sentences to make, not only yourself, but the reader feel intelligent, for having deciphered such an elaborate, multifaceted, and dare I say, bragadocious sentence!
I love that quote from Provost. I have that book, but came across the quote on the internet years ago. Everytime I read it, it gives me chills. It's amazing how affecting a simple sentence can be when you use the right combination of words, verbs, rhythm, etc. As a writer, it makes me fall in love with writing all over again, everytime I read it.
Which quote?
It's in the video. 👌🏼
I was searching for inspiration while stuck a writing project for school. This video is poetry. Words are powerful, magical tools. I hope someday I will be worthy to use them.
Thank you Michi J... And you're using them right now - keep going...
You already are, cast away your own self doubt. If you are quiet inspiration will find you.
If you do so wish, I hope so as well. I hope the project turned out great
@@KJ7Tillymannoof…
real
The best class that increased my writing skills and feared taking it was “Creative Writing”. It pushed me to not to be afraid to write. It challenge the students to beyond the safety zone. Some of the writing I heard from other students made be blush. I needed to go there if I was to succeed. It was the best class that push me forward and increased my grade average. I still 20 years later remember the stories that were created,
Keep writing Rafael...
😢😢😢
To this day, a few years after I watched this video the first time, it is still the most profound and well-structured essays on literary style I have come across. I keep coming back to it.Thanks!
Thanks so much for saying so Legacy Inc. Such sentiments remind me that I’m doing something right. I really appreciate that. ♥️
@@MarkLewis... ehm. I should just ignore this, but for some reason I get a bit offended 😅 I am a completely unrelated guy from Denmark. I kinda want to prove it to you, just because 😅 Want proof? I’m sure there’s an easy way to show you. Also, I really mean what I said. This is a great video 💪🏻✨
@@MarkLewis... 1) good question. I think first of all it manages to put the very complex topic of literary style into words that resonates with me. One example is that the first time I watched it, some years ago, I wasn’t aware of the anecdote with Hemingway and Faulkner. I have used the example ever since, when I have had talks about style in literature. I do think this video has an original approach to the topic. Also, I feel it is very well structured 😊
To your second question: I am not particularly loyal to the person. I don’t know him. But I do admire people who spend time in crafting great work and share it for free. We need more people like that. It’s my personal believe that showing appreciation for people who share their passions free of charge is a decent thing to do.
But hey. I know where you are coming from. I also get the feeling sometimes that 90% of all positive UA-cam comment are payed-for bots or friends/family 😅 But this time it’s a genuine comment from a person who just admire some great work.
@@MarkLewis... well, I guess I just have great appreciation for the simple, yet powerful ideas. Just because something is known, doesn’t mean that it is not useful. In the contrary, an idea is usually only popular because it has some fundamental level of usefulness to it. Hearing useful ideas, over and over again, in various forms, is not a bad thing. It’s a way to transform the idea from mere information to internalized knowledge. And I think it’s important to remember that, although this might be old news to some, many young writers have never encountered this idea before. Let’s celebrate teachers who does not shy away from the fundamentals, but embraces it as to keep great (even if banal) ideas alive.
And lastly: hey, let’s share some love and positivity for everything that attempts to advance the art of writing. Even if we don’t find it perfect or even useful. The creator of this video clearly put a lot of thought and work into iffy and that’s more than what most of us do, right? ✨🫶🏻
I wish you the best and I hope that all your writing dreams will come true! 💙
What fascinates me are all the things you do as a writer that are considered good practices but come as instinctive. Like varying the length of sentences to provide variety. It’s something so basic that speaks to our common tastes, desires, and humanity.
true most of the "correct" practices I do on paper.... I never learned. I simply do.
I think the same could be said about any skill.
@@SanxBile 100%
I believe it is "just" pattern recognition. A (good) brain learns by means of many examples to distinguish between good and bad language. Often, this happens without being consciously aware of it.
@@domanicvaldezthat’s cause you’re a true writer.
Probably the best video on writing I have ever seen. And thank you for the warning of Faulkner.
Thanks so much, Flabarre. That means so much. Let me ask you, what types of videos would you really like to see?
Non finer recapitulation of style has crossed my path to this day !
This is just outstanding. Clicking on this video in hopes to kickstart my creative writing for the day has turned into a deep rabbit hole that is full of some of the most profound content. The quotes, the multimedia, the new and old stories as well as a great voice over & length on topic. I can not say enough good things about, “HOW TO WRITE A GREAT SENTENCE.”
I played this video numerous times as well. The voice hits the perfect pitch for conveying such a beautiful piece of text. Thank you.
iiling. Thank You very much. It means a lot. Stay tuned for more. You're appreciated.
I am listening to it on loop. It gives me goosebumps and I go straight to write something after watching this. Thank you for such video, music, visuals and the voice.
Hello there The Story Essence. I'm glad you're gaining some inspiration from it. And Thank 'You' for your encouragement. Keep watching.
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow Waiting for such amazing videos. I wish you describe Hemingway's style a little more in a new video.
@@kuchhbhiivlog I put it on the loop as well. My goodness, this penetrates deep. Love it.
WHAT A GREAT SPACE. This Channel is NOT just another one. Congrats and thanks very much! Are you how many people?
Every word is a choice, and the act of choosing is inherently ethical. The most important ethic of linguistic style, as with styles of any sort, is to dress for the occasion.
- Anonymous
The conviction and pathos in the composition of this piece, makes it insightful, relevant and effortlessly enjoyable to listen to.
Everything about this video is brilliant. From the initial quote describing how he who writes cannot remove himself from his work, as is evident in Faulkner and Hemingway's books. Instead, one's own style and content are both reflections of the individual, and the lens in which they see the world. Finally I really appreciate how you address the subjective nature of writing. Or at least, the subjective nature of learning how to write better. That is, instead of simply giving advice. Then arguing why the implementation of such ideas would be beneficial. The author gives a seemingly empty demonstration. Allowing the reader to be the judge between the two styles, allowing the reader to realize for themselves, that it is impossible for words to be empty, to conclude that the content of this 'empty' work is not just a lesson on sentence structure, but also a concrete showing on how wherever there is style there is content.
Well said. This video spoke to me. I'm so glad I found it thank you, I agree wholeheartedly and this is exactly what I've been looking for to help finish my book.
Editing a 100,000-word manuscript. Lots of sentence restructuring. This overview, especially when referring to Hemingway is interesting and helpful. Thanks.
Me personally, I'm more on the side of Faulkner, but there's a time and place for every writing style.
I agree. And also find it interesting how most people fall down on the side of Hemingway over Faulkner. Most people can't seem to bear Faulkner. But there's a lot of beauty in him. Thanks OMC. Appreciated.
‘Morally’ speaking i am with Faulkner. But Hemingway I enjoy reading much more.
Ha! Gary Provost is the best how to write author there is. He died too young but his work is brilliantly simple in teaching anyone how to be a better writer. So glad to hear his name mentioned.
This is a fantastic video! It is perfect in content and length. Thank you for creating a compelling video that contrasts a style of writing that resonates, against one that nauseates.
You're very welcome!
Truly amazing, I've stumbled upon this idea of objective morality, to enhance my writing earlier this year, and honestly the best sources are in fact the religious textures for a comprehensive set of morality
For my money--or my less than humble opinion, Hemingway is a grand writer, but there is the sheer beauty of music and all there is, and possibly ever will be with reading Faulkner.
I agree. I love Faulkner.
Golden comment.
Hemingway > Faulkner.
There’s such mercurial beauty in simplicity.
Hemingways talent is more eloquent.more impact by saying less.
“It was a fine morning.” E.H.
A writer is always open to learning. This is a fine video. I learned a few things that I know will stick. If I watch more, I shall learn more.
Thank you to the “author” 👍
The five word paragraph is amazing as well as the subsequent lesson.
This video delivers the goods. It presents its subject matter. It shows the subject's significance. Then, after a protracted preamble with the not too surprising litany of idolatrous praise for writers such as Hemmingway and Fitzgerald, it justifies the title by an excellent example from Gary Provost's book without once mentioning Keats. This is a gem of the purest ray sublime.
Keats. Noted.
Thank you so very much! So simple, such insight, elegantly said. I needed to hear this and will listen over and over again.
Thank you Stephen. We appreciate it. Please don't forget to share it with your network. 😉
Tracy. this video inspires. I am currently finishing up a chapter I've been asked to write for a book about information literacy.
This is done so well.
It's gripping how these eminent writers are compared here.
Thank you for this video!
Best regards from Ukraine!
I have had the pleasure of a life time when I've read that piece from Provost.
Watching videos from you feel like a journey to a different realm, one in which i have always lived yet never seen.
Came here after the "how to kill a mockingbird" video and am just stunned.
Thank You… 🙏
I prefer flowery prose,myself,although I do like a simple lettered book to cleanse the palette.
This is why I fucking like YT. Thank you, dear sir, I somehow really needed these spoken words about the written world, and I didn’t know that I needed.
I find myself trying to improve upon this sort of "compacted purple prose" the one where you squish bigger sentences with common words into shorter (Rather fast) sentences using complex words. Detailed all the way through you could say, less common words (However in middle of being understandable.)
Still learning, but here's an example.
He headed for his room, trudging upstairs. He reached for the doorknob, and a twist of his fingers opened it, revealing the interior. It was dull and cold, with plastered walls of white and floor made of oak. His gaze lingered on the study desk, which stood in front of a large window. He reminisced the times he looked up the night sky for stars that seemed out of his reach: the faint dotted lights painted upon a moonless canvas-hidden away before the city lights and stuffy clouds.
I like the sort where there's not this "narrator" who's describing scenes, but the scene describing itself. Though its nothing more than just omitting 'was' 'were' 'there'
I have been practising writing since 2020, started writing my first novel, and then took a break. So far, I have learned one hardest lesson, which is that you don't need big words or a complex construction of a sentence to tell a sequence, rather you can deliver a message with the usage of proper nouns and verbs. In addition, the minimum usage of adjectives is better for a clear understanding. To conclude, your readability score and literary are not predominant in writing, especially fiction writing and story-telling.
Have you read much McCarthy? in the Border Trilogy he hits that perfect medium between Hemingway terseness and Faulkner eloquence. Crushing books.
Hi Concars. I haven't read the border trilogy at all, but you aren't the first to mention it, oddly enough. I'll put it on my list, and look to do something about McCarthy. Thank you.
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow reccing his books is like cheating for literary cred since they are so acclaimed.. but honestly, The Crossing is something everyone who loves reading and having their heart broken should experience
@concars1234 Sounds great. I'll be sure to check out the trilogy. How do you feel about _Cities of the plain?_
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow its a really good ending to the series but a different tone than the first 2. but you'll probably want to see how it wraps up by the time you get there
Mr. McCarthy combined the best aspects of Hemingway and Faulkner (and Melville and John Milton) to become the greatest author in the history of American/English literature.
Sir. This was SPECTACULAR. through and through. Highly agreeable.
Thank you Sir. That’s very kind of you.
Oh man, Faulkner is great. That writing is beautiful. Its beautiful. I think of writing like lovemaking, but music is also a great way to think of it. If you listen to great music tho, the way it flows and rises and falls, it is all like lovemaking.
Filled with great insights. Thank you & Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Hoireabard.
Wow - great stuff!!
Beautiful depiction, a window to anyone who has a vision to be a storyteller. I cherished this wonderful poetry of lows and highs, the melody in between.
Thank you so much Justin. I've made my day. 👌🏼
A better world... and then a fade to "The Written World"... well played. Goosebumps as usual, although my lack of reading culture shows through my inability to fully understand the more colourful sentences. Or should I say, melodic. :)
You don't need to be well read to write well. As evidenced by your comment👏
Captivating narration. Beautiful work.
Thanks RG. I'm glad you like it. 🙌🏼
noun: elegant variation
"the stylistic fault of studiedly finding different ways to denote the same thing in a piece of writing, merely to avoid repetition."
Like music. Simple.
What an amazing underrated video. The algorithm has blessed me 🙏
I'm really glad that you like it, jamisonc. More on the way...
WHAT A GREAT SPACE. This Channel is NOT just another one. Congrats and thanks very much! Are you how many people?
This is fascinating! 👏👏👏
That was beautiful.
Thank you.
This is an excellent video, you communicate better than any other literary content channel. Clean, direct, and masculine, just like Hemingway! Subscribed.
Loving this insight. The syntax is one of it
Beautiful and so instructional!
Thank you Leandro. Do share it. 👌🏼
Oh my, I am in love with the presenter’s voice. His voice is to presentation, as style is to writing 😬
¡Wow! This was so good. The last part was a sublime lesson. Thank you.
Thanks Luciano... I'm glad you like it.
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow Hi, I’m finishing my first novel. Eventually I will need someone who can translate from Spanish to English. Or I will do a first translation myself and then would need a good native English editor. Any idia how to get the appropriate person for the job?
I’m an editor myself, but don’t have the Spanish language in my grasp, Luciano. Try LinkedIn or maybe even Fiverr. Good luck!
Wonderfully done.
Thank you.
This is a Very Special Essay.
Nicely Done.
This is a very special comment. Thank you, Diligent Sun.
Great video need to watch it twice.
Underrated channel. This is GREAT work!
Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Please share... 👌🏼
I will always be a hemingway man. thank you for this video
That lesson at the end was so good.
Glad you liked it, lilbrusselsprout. Don't forgt to sub and share. 😁👍
As rich as a French wine sauce poured over a slow roasted beef. That video has meat and subtlety. Such great contratsts
This is one of the best videos about writing I have ever saw. Subscribed.
I'm writing a book. It will contain both terse and florid prose. I believe that this combination will allow the reader to be both stimulated and lulled.
great vídeo!! thank you so much, it helped a lot.
You're very welcome Luisa, I'm glad it helped.
What are you working on?
Man you are great,
Please keep doing the good work
This, and a glance at your channel, has me convinced to subscribe. The flow of this video held my attention until the abrupt stop of the end. Well done
Thanks Kevin. I really appreciate the insight. This is the kind of feedback that really helps us out. I'm glad that you liked it so much. Share with friends? - Make sure you come back for more! And thanks again...🙌🏼
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow Of course! But if I may ask, how come all the videos are done by different voices or narrators?
Not sure if narrator is the right word here
Good to know that I can make my sentences as short or as long as I like😊
Reductio
Natural writer without learning from college is best illustrated by marktwain
I like the part at the end about varying the length of sentences.
Morality could be described as a judgement of what is right or wrong. Can someone tell me, in plain language, how style does this? Perhaps a couple of convincing examples. Thanks in advance.
Read Orwell and then Hemingway, then, when you are ready for it, Cormac McCarthy.
@@bluegregory6239 In other words, you can't.
"What you say IS how you say it."~ Joe Moran
2 years ago, and I missed you
Hemingway would appreciate that this is an efficient 8 minutes
This is so great.
Thank you Lisev415. Please don't forgwt to share.
That’s really great and worth a 2nd listen!
Thank you Hoirebard! Please share it!
Very good. I enjoyed this.
Thanks Robert. Please do share... 👌🏼
I think that the length of a sentence or a paragraph or the way one chooses to weave and blend them is structured according to the point of view and the inner soul garden of the writer. There are no rules to follow except for the path of the artists truth and his intent. If you want repetition then repeat. If you want to embroider then embroider. If you want concision then be concise.
A very, very poor attempt.
Following the Fred?
I can admire Faulkner and Hemingway for their approach to writing, even though I do not particularly like either (though more leaning towards Hemingway). The "how to write a great sentence" thus becomes a matter of taste. "My taste is better than your taste" is outdated, so perhaps the best sentence comes at the crossroads where all tastes agree. Provost talks about the rhythm of a text, of sentences in a sequence, not the perfect sentence in itself.
Not a huge fan of Hemingway, but I love Didion and she used got her style from copying Hemingway books front to back in her notebooks.
As a writer the thing I struggle with most is how different styles can be while being good.
Think of it like music, or painting. Think classical vs jazz or rock. Or Van Gogh vs Caravaggio or Da Vinci. All very different, but beautiful - depending on your taste, of course...
This made my day❤
This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. It’s like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety. Now listen. I vary the sentence length, and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. I use short sentences. And I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes, when I am certain the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with all the impetus of a crescendo, the roll of the drums, the crash of the cymbals-sounds that say listen to this, it is important.
In order to write about life, first you must live it - hemmingway.
👏👏👏
The style and the execution was brilliant. The morality issue, though, the moral dimension of the characteristics of a sentence wasn't clear. I agree but it was rather mentioned than anything else.
Several words combined together forms a sentence. Sentences combined, forms paragraph. Paragraphs made a chapter. And several chapters became a book.
Write it. Then edit it and eliminate any unnecessary words. Then read it aloud in front of a mirror. Then edit it again so it flows, like poetry.
I think prose is actually a superior form of expression to poetry.
Cicero said it best in De Oratore: vary, differentiate, amplify.
Thank you for this
No, thank you....
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:03 🖋️ *Style in writing is inseparable from content and is a reflection of morality.*
00:33 🛠️ *Aspects of style, including grammar, tone, and diction, collectively define a writer's style, which in turn reflects their moral perspective.*
00:59 📚 *Literary feuds, like that between Faulkner and Hemingway, highlight differing stylistic and moral viewpoints in writing.*
01:14 🖊️ *Faulkner's writing is characterized by ornate, long sentences, influenced by his Southern Christian upbringing.*
01:30 ✂️ *Hemingway's style is concise and laconic, shaped by his experiences as a reporter and modern cosmopolitan influences.*
02:24 🔍 *Faulkner and Hemingway's styles reflect the environments and themes they write about, whether it's the southern heat or city life.*
03:05 📖 *Faulkner and Hemingway's differing attitudes towards language use and vocabulary highlight their distinct literary styles.*
03:31 📝 *Faulkner's tendency to write long sentences contrasts sharply with Hemingway's shorter, more straightforward prose.*
04:41 📈 *Sentence structure in novels represents a spectrum, with Faulkner and Hemingway occupying opposite ends.*
05:09 🧱 *The sentence is the fundamental unit of literature, providing context and unfolding literary meaning.*
06:06 🎶 *Gary Provost's writing illustrates the musicality and rhythm that can be achieved through varied sentence length.*
07:25 🌈 *A dynamic, exploratory writing style, akin to a kaleidoscope, is suggested as more morally expansive and creative.*
Made with HARPA AI
awesome video
Thank you QuietReader. I appreciate that.
the sound of Nietzsche
is most addictive of all
then you can not read anything else
Either do a music concert or make commentary about the subject at hand. For the true composer of either discipline, it really is an either or moment. Important moment. Mahalo to the one who thus makes a better eorkd
I once wrote a sentence but I didn't think it was very good, however, it got the point across.
Understood. Not great though.
I thought the same thing about Faulkner and Hemingway I the comparison. Somewhere in the middle.
That hardback copy of The Great Gatsby at 1:46 must be about 3 sentences a page.
So true!
I’d have to agree with Hemingway. Many young writer’s feel the need to use big words, thinking this will give the writing depth. When in fact it could confuse the reader and take them out of the story.
The key is to use the most apt word.
@ThrdWrldGrl. I completely agree.
Style is style period. It can be morality but it can also be amoral. The apex of all creative output contain the three most important things and they are, tone, tone and tone.
Tone is your apex. Everything else is tool used for achieving tone.
That's an interesting point of view. Thanks ReethKitchards. Here's a question: Do you think tone is part of style, or style part of tone?
@@TheWrittenWorldSubscribeNow I had a jazz guitar lesson a decade back. The first question the teacher asked me was, what are the three most important things in music.
I replied, Harmony, Rhythm and Melody.
He replied, Nope.
I was like, wait, not a single one of them?
He replied, nope.
Then he said, he was asked the same question by the then Boston Philharmonic Conductor at the time, who told him the same and then replied to him...
The 3 most important things in music are...
TONE TONE & TONE.
I stopped to think about what he told me for about half a minute and I'd been playing guitar for 15 years at that point and after a second it hit me...He was right.
Style is what the man of the street gathers from your artistic output....TONE is what you should focus on, as your ultimate of your delivery. All the things you know about your craft and about the world will come into play but ultimately those little granular aspects are the bricks of the building and not the building itself.
The building it culmination of "All" the little things you do to deliver, the FINAL TONE that your audience perceives. They. judge the totality. Your job is to pick the bolts, bricks, workers, etc. that will deliver that ultimate, expression.
I can play a "C" note...if I play the 4th then the next interval will be "F" and there will be a strong consonance to just those 2 choices...if I chose the 2nd, then I change the interval characteristics of "C" by choosing a more dissonant path...and so on.
Nobody in the audience is judging each note as I play them, they are only judging the totality of what I am delivering.
I've carried this practice through out my endeavors and I only use what is necessary to deliver the ultimate TONE I want my audience to walk away with.
I only select what is essential to deliver the final TONE, no more and no less.
Does that make sense? I think this can be applied to writing as well.
I don't think Morality is a primary function of any creative output. I think it's something you chose in your bag of techniques to deliver a TONE.
But that is it. What if I was writing a Horror story? Morality may or may not be a component to it.
I think that we agree on the essence of the issue, but our disagreement stems from a semantic point. _Style_ , is the 'apex', from my point of view. In literature, _tone_ is what the writing expresses about pathos towards a subject. So from this standpoint, it is a sub-category of style.
When I say 'style', as my video suggests, it means all of the tools that the writer uses, taken as a whole, and expressed in the final work, (if any work is truly ever final). There is definitely a close relationship between music and literature, and so many descriptions do indeed spill over into both. But I think that in this case, we may be overstretching the analogy.
Still, staying there, I will say that _style_ is what accounts for the entire musical piece. In terms of Amis' description of morality, his point is a deeper one. He means that even if a work is amoral, or immoral; its style is a _type_ of morality. This isn't a point about ethics - but about how we approach the world. Writing, and especially the aesthetic nature of it, expresses an attitude towards life, even if it's subject matter is as simple - and as complex - as a warm midnight wind blowing through an laburnum tree.
I take your point completely, but think that when you say 'tone', and when I say 'style', we are approaching the same reality using different definitions. Either way; I hope you enjoyed the video!
Now I understand why so many writers also dabble in music, and why in turn so many musicians have also written, and why the southern black gospel preacher nearly sings his sermons.
“Poor Faulkner, to think big emotions come from big words.”
Wings Of Desire
This is art
What's that background music?
tl;dr
Just, use an astonishing amount, of commas in your sentences to make, not only yourself, but the reader feel intelligent, for having deciphered such an elaborate, multifaceted, and dare I say, bragadocious sentence!
What a fantastic fucking video