Writing: It's Harder Than It Looks

While browsing the New York Times Web site, I came across an opinion column by Timothy Egan titled "Typing Without a Clue." The blurb read, "Publishers, let’s set some ground rules: Anyone who abuses the English language on such a regular basis should not be paid to put words in print." After my recent experience with the Twilight Saga, I was eager to hear someone else bash bad writers.

Unlike my Twilight experience, I was not disappointed.

Though Egan didn't mention "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer as someone who shouldn't be allowed near a writing utensil, I truly enjoyed his column. He talked about a new book by Samuel Wurzelbacher (aka Joe the Plumber) and the fact that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is worth nearly $7 million should she ever put her thoughts on paper. He immediately followed with a typical convoluted Palin quote, which inspired the story blurb. Anything that pokes fun at the would-be vice president is right up my alley.

Egan asserted that good writers often work hard for little money and even less recognition, only to learn that someone who can barely string together a sentence is getting a book deal. Writing isn't easy, he said, quoting notable authors who struggled against an empty page. He suggested that if Wurzelbacher really wanted to become a writer, he should read good writing first. Egan hopes that a Barack Obama presidency will raise the standards of the American publishing industry.

As someone who has chosen editing as her career goal, I believe that the quality of American writing helps define our country and our culture. Be it good or bad, writing is the legacy we leave for future generations. I hope to be a positive force in the publishing industry by refusing to allow bad writing to be published. There are plenty of good writers out there who work hard and deserve a little piece of immortality. That's what I want to do as an editor: find good writers and reward them.

Fortunately, there is way for bad writers to have their voices heard that doesn't require publishing houses or unsuspecting readers to spend money on garbage. It's called blogging.

To read Egan's article, visit:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/opinion/07egan.html?ref=opinion