Booking Through Thursday: Writing or Riveting?
January 26, 2012
What’s more important: Good writing? Or a good story?
(Of course, a book should have BOTH, but…)
Oh, these ultimatums are always so nerve-wracking! In my sleepy haze, I initially reached for “good story”, and I think that remains true. If it’s a good story, simply efficient writing doesn’t bother me. We can’t all be great stylists, but the construction of a a good plot requires equal talent. Of course, I value both equally, but the idea of reading a beautifully written book where nothing really happens doesn’t appeal to at the moment.
However, that being said, bad writing ruins good stories. Bad writing ruins everything, really. So you really do need both.
8 Comments
leave one →
Yes has to be a good story. The writing as long as it’s passable not amazing I can deal with it. Here’s my BTT.
Happy Reading!
Cathy @Addicted to Books
Thanks for stopping by!
I agree , you really do need both.
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2012/01/booking-through-thursday_26.html
Thanks for dropping in!
I agree for the need for both strengths in a book.
Yeah—it’s great to have both.
I think good writing is actually most important. I have read some pretty plot-less books and still found them beautiful in their diction, poetic prose, and use of language. Of course, both are ideal, but if I have to choose one if would definitely, without question, be writing over story.
For me, if beautiful writing is used with a limp, useless plot, then I can’t stand it. I love beautiful writing, but when it covers moments of great significance… there are lines I’ve read that are very basic, but it’s the context in their plot that makes them truly great.