what makes for good writing, anon?

>>9777591
Capitals are very important, OP.

>>9777591
Overuse of commas.

>>9777591
using question marks is a no go.

>>9777700
but what's the alternative?
starting every sentence where is uncertain with
he wondered...
he askes himself...
etc

>>9777591

One word and one word only: Imagination.

File: 1488935942029.jpg (59KB, 919x720px) Image search: [Google]

59KB, 919x720px

>>9777865
I have imagination but my writing mechanics are terrible and I frequently get B's on my essays...
>tfw average intelligence

>>9777930
Copy out passages of your favorite authors by hand; read and reread short stories and poems you really enjoy; ask yourself what makes them work.

Communicating an original idea in a convincing and succinct manner.

>>9777930
Honestly the biggest problem I see when grading writing, specifically in academia, is that people don't know how to write concisely. Using words such as "very, super, sort of, almost, like," etc. makes writing less authoritative and more speculative. Also using big words that can be better understood with shorter, more common, and applicable words is always preferable:

>"the frog jumped down the hole"
vs.
>"the croaking frog cavorted down the very hollow cavity"

I can understand one immediately and precisely, but the latter leaves me in a haze and takes longer to arrive at the same conclusion. I'm having to fight against the words to arrive at the same message.
writing doesn't need to be verbose to be good. The best writing is often short and simple which is exactly why it's message is so profound.

>>9777951
>>9778009
This actually helps a lot. As a struggling but earnest student, thank you for the advice.

I know it when I see it.

>>9777591

lots of SMUT

>>9777951
>>9777930
>>9778320
Same guy. Out of curiosity, what are some example passages by your favorite authors? I'd like to see what you deem to be quality writing.
>>9778009
How common is this at the collegiate level? I'll be a freshman this coming fall semester and it would be interesting to know how what the average student's writing is like.

>>9777930
Write a screenplay.

Ideas and scenes, dialogue, and following a simple format for a film/stage director to easily implement.