I am not sure if I can do justice to Kurt Vonnegut’s “How to Write With Style”. I found this article to be the most well written piece of work that we have read to date in the course. Vonnegut’s style is truly his own, coincidentally this is the main point of his article.
Vonnegut gives a number of valuable tips on how to grab a reader’s attention and hold it. He does so with such headings as “Pity the Reader” and “Sound like Yourself” (Vonnegut 67). These are not-so-gentle reminders to keep the audience in mind when writing. He shares with us that it is best for his readers if he sounds like he is from Indianapolis, because he is. The fact that in Indianapolis “common speech sounds like a band saw cutting galvanized tin” is irrelevant (Vonnegut 66). The idea is to not pretend that you are someone or something that you aren’t.
Some other helpful tips are to keep it simple and don’t ramble on (Vonnegut 66). Both are great reminders that people reading something you have written don’t need to try to translate what is meant. A simple approach is always better. Say what you mean, and be concise.
I am not familiar with any of the novels written by Vonnegut. Although I have heard of “Slaughterhouse Five” I haven’t read it. I must say, though, that after seeing what a great job he has done of writing something as mundane as a lesson in writing with style, I will search out one of his novels and give it a try. I am sure it will be an interesting read, done with style and flair. Have you read anything by Vonnegut?
Works Cited
Vonnegut, Kurt. “How to Write with Style.” IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication. PC 24 Vol 2. Print.
I can honestly say that I have never read any of his material until this article, however, I feel like after reading your blog I should look up what his novels are about so that I can find a book that I find interesting.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunetly I have not, but I'm thinking it may help my future writing as I have always had a bit of trouble writing conclusions and hopefully by reading some of his work it might help my problem.
ReplyDeleteNo,but I imagine his books are enjoyable if they are anything like his article!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great blog. I always say that most of what I've learned about life is from reading fiction. I didn't know anything about the firebombing of Dresden during WWII before I read Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five. Also, I hadn't read much satire before, so I liked it. It's a crazy kind of writing so be prepared for a wild ride.