Journal Entry (Monday January 23, 2023)
Writing. One of my favorite things. I wish I did it well. I’m trying.
The key to good writing is clarity. I have a tendency to use too many words. The first paragraph above is an attempt to convey a message in as few words as possible. I think it succeeds, but the point here is that it is not easy to do. Without editing what you have written, all is lost. The chief ingredient in good editing is removing as many unnecessary words as possible. That is harder than it seems. You can easily spend more time editing than you do putting down your initial thoughts.
I never used to edit. I’m learning to spend time doing that, and I’m beginning to see the value. So there is no confusion, I have no intention of ever becoming published — other than this blog. Anyone can have a blog, so having one certainly does not count as published.
If I keep writing (which I plan to do) it will be fun to look back and see if my skill improves over time. I hope it does. In the mean time, I will keep an eye open for examples of good writing (and speaking) one of my favorites being this little piece that played no small part in history…
”We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Neither sudden shock of battle, nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. Give us the tools and we will finish the job!”
- Winston Churchill