# Essential Guidelines for Captivating Writing
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Introduction
Geraldo the Double-Headed Giraffe presents the two foundational rules of writing:
- Keep the reader engaged.
- Create a connection with your audience.
These are your primary directives—everything else can be overlooked. If you need further clarification, I can elaborate:
Any writing advice that strays from these two principles is likely misguided. Consider this:
- Emphasizing strict grammar rules.
- Avoiding overly ornate language.
- Steering clear of clichés.
Let’s disregard such notions because:
People often overlook grammar. Many struggle with spelling and punctuation, yet these flaws rarely hinder a captivating story.
Overly elaborate prose can actually enhance a narrative at times. For instance, The Great Gatsby is filled with intricate language, and it remains a literary masterpiece. Conversely, it also has its faults.
Take Quentin Tarantino's films: they are laden with clichés, yet they are undeniably brilliant. (We can overlook his controversial associations for now.)
Ultimately, what matters in Gatsby is whether the narrative and characters resonate with you. Similarly, a Tarantino film's impact hinges on its visual storytelling and character dynamics.
Emotional Resonance in Writing
Humans are primarily driven by emotion rather than logic, which is why punctuation often takes a backseat.
However, I must clarify: I’m not advocating for writing riddled with spelling and grammatical blunders that frustrate your readers. Instead, your goal as a writer is to be unobtrusive.
…Except when it’s your intention to stand out.
(Yes, this discussion may seem contradictory at times. If that bothers you, writing might not be for you.)
Familiarize yourself with this duality.
Examples of Visibility in Writing
Consider writers who navigate the spectrum of visibility in their work:
- Robert Greene is a master of subtlety; he crafts sentences without forcing himself into the narrative.
- In contrast, Kurt Vonnegut often makes himself a character in his stories.
- Jhumpa Lahiri remains relatively unknown, while Shakespeare is prominently visible in his writing.
- Stephen King tends to adopt an understated style.
- Barbara Kingsolver writes literary fiction, which may not resonate with everyone.
- Christopher Hitchens is known for his strong presence on the page.
- Ernest Hemingway aimed for invisibility yet often drew attention to himself.
- Gloria Munoz Ramirez and other writers come with their unique visibility levels.
These authors showcase a variety of styles, all while disregarding conventional advice on grammar and clichés—except when they choose not to. They prioritize connecting with their readers, often ignoring minor errors along the way.
Debunking Common Writing Myths
Other misguided advice includes:
- Does your character embody the story’s theme?
- Is there a clear theme throughout your narrative?
- Can you summarize your story in 15 words or less?
- Have you meticulously examined the interplay between plot and setting?
While these considerations can be useful, they primarily serve to keep creative writing instructors employed.
Many beloved stories defy such conventions. We all have seen or read narratives where character development and theme alignment are lacking or where the plot feels disjointed.
Ultimately, what matters is your connection to the story:
- I enjoy Spectre because of its setting in Mexico City.
- Kung Fu Panda resonates with me due to its protagonist's enthusiasm.
- Star Wars captures my imagination with its lightsabers.
- I appreciate books about Mexico because of my personal ties to the country.
- Tom Clancy's detailed descriptions of weaponry also keep me engaged.
These elements connect with me, even if not every moment in these stories captivates my attention.
Striving for Engagement
The challenge of keeping readers fully engaged is significant. Even my favorite authors, like Robert Greene and Christopher Hitchens, sometimes lose my interest. Hitchens occasionally indulges in esoteric literary references, while Greene’s selective historical anecdotes can feel forced.
Maintaining 100% engagement is impossible—much like achieving complete objectivity in journalism. The journey of crafting more engaging writing is what truly counts.
In conclusion, few rules exist beyond the two mentioned above, many of which are perpetuated by creative writing educators who may not contribute to your success as a writer.
Remember that the age-old mantra of valuing quality over quantity can stifle your creative development.