Just Write

One pearl is better than a whole necklace of potatoes.

Constance Hale launches Sin and Syntax, How To Write Wicked Good Prose with:

“The French mime Étienne Decroux used to remind his students, ‘One pearl is better than a whole necklace of potatoes.’ What is true for that wordless art form applies equally to writing: well-crafted prose depends on the writer’s ability to distinguish between pearls and potatoes. Only some words are fit to be strung into a given sentence. Great writers are meticulous with their pearls, sifting through piles of them and stringing only perfect specimens upon the thread of syntax. The careful execution of beautiful, powerful prose through beautifully, powerful words is guided by my five principles.”

Hale’s five principles:

  • Relish Every Word
  • Aim Deep, But Be Simple
  • Take Risks
  • Seek Beauty
  • Find The Right Pitch

Peruse Sin and Syntax to discover the pearls of wisdom of these principles and how to distinguish between words that are pearls and words that are potatoes. Read a review of Sin and Syntax, How To Write Wicked Good Prose by clicking here.

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