Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
An Open Letter to Writers of Non-fiction
Dear Non-fiction Writers, who I've sometimes secretly and sometimes openly mocked over the years as having an easier writing life than us Tortured Fiction Writers:
Writing an essay is more difficult than I thought. I'm working on a piece to send in to the Real Simple contest because, well, it's a $3,000 prize with no entry fee and I know I'm a better writer than this, which was last year's winner. The problem is the blurred line between an essay being moving and an essay being sentimental. The Real Simple editors clearly want moving. Well, they might even want sentimental, but as a general rule, I try not to go there. So what's a girl to do?
Good Non-fiction Writers, you've gained (at least my momentary) respect and admiration for your ability to clarify this blurry line. Alas, now my quest must continue.
Your new friend,
Rachel
Writing an essay is more difficult than I thought. I'm working on a piece to send in to the Real Simple contest because, well, it's a $3,000 prize with no entry fee and I know I'm a better writer than this, which was last year's winner. The problem is the blurred line between an essay being moving and an essay being sentimental. The Real Simple editors clearly want moving. Well, they might even want sentimental, but as a general rule, I try not to go there. So what's a girl to do?
Good Non-fiction Writers, you've gained (at least my momentary) respect and admiration for your ability to clarify this blurry line. Alas, now my quest must continue.
Your new friend,
Rachel
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)