"I found something very useful in all the pieces included in this anthology, which I will keep handy as I begin to edit my next novel. I especially enjoyed the brief but considerably astute piece by Denis Shaughnessy entitled “Considering Style.” I don’t often think about style, but I know I’ve been resistant to many critiques and to beta readers who have suggested that I change a number of things in my manuscripts.
Shaughnessy mentions common rules and two wonderful authors: Lee Child and Cormac McCarthy—and immediately I knew what he meant. They stick to their own styles and break the rules if necessary. I’ve been enthralled for hours reading novels by these authors! And to tell the truth, I even used McCarthy’s technique that some passages don’t even need translation (from Spanish!) I used this in my first historical western.
So it’s not a minor consideration for an author to think seriously about his / her style and if it can carry over into all of the writing that they do. I write lyrically—yet I was able to carry over this style into a stark historical thriller that I has recently been published. It’s a matter of determination and knowing where the style will not converge with or overpower a scene that needs to be less than lyrical.
Shaughnessy’s article was thought-provoking and important for writers to consider as they edit, hence, his title of the piece. Don’t miss it, authors, or this tiny pamphlet filled to the brim with reflections on what makes good editing. Kudos to all the contributors!"
