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seems that most posts dedicate first 1-n paragraphs for unnecessary background and/or rehashing of the title. it's as if writers feel the need to ease into the
by SonicSoul 8y ago
seems that most posts dedicate first 1-n paragraphs for unnecessary background and/or rehashing of the title.
it's as if writers feel the need to ease into the topic as if it was a bucket of ice water for the reader to avoid being startled by
- Swizec 8y agoIt’s actually just a mark of bad writing. Lots of books do it too, but it’s less common coz you get a lot of practice before you attempt a book. First rule of good writing: Start the story as late as you can get away with. Preferably right before the punchline. Compare: 1) I woke up that morning, showered, put on my shoes, and went on a hike. It was a beautiful day the sun was shining the bees were buzzing. I walked for 30 minutes when I happened upon a bear in the road. 2) Shit, is that a bear!? I was on a hike in the Rocky mountains in the middle of nowhere and there’s this bear rught in front of me. Now what do i do? Ok I’m not doing these examples justice but think of your favorite stories: Do they start with the action or with the long wind up? In modern storytelling the windup usually comes during/after the action as backstory. A counter example are horror movies and thrillers where you want to build suspense first.
- gumby 8y agoBut there's a difference between a story for the purpose of entertainment vs an expository story. The former are quite rare on HN.
- Swizec 8y agoSame rules apply. Writing is better when you start with the conclusion then expand on the supporting argument. Unless you want to bring the reader along for the ride of discovery.
- kbutler 8y ago> bring the reader along for the ride That's the point of long form story telling in the Atlantic. Sometimes it is well done, this isn't a good example of it (the ride isn't worth it).