I like it when my instincts as a visual artist (nouns, images) and drummer (rhythms, rhymes) show up in experimental moments in my writing -- and then end up being affirmed in some way... because it usually feels like "I'm not supposed to do that, I should take that out" when I include them
Ha. I've had the same experience: my name is Ann and my nickname is Ann Bell. When I was a kid I used to fantasize about changing my name to Alexandria or Anastasia.
I love repeating such noun phrases! It’s so hard to teach it to others, though, because whether it works or not has to do with the rhythm of the prose and the narrator’s voice.
Agreed! I’ve taught that Lopez story often, and it’s really interesting how it hits hard for some readers and others just have no idea what to do with it. I think it has a lot to do with how they hear it, even if only in the mind.
This is fascinating, Matt! (I'm always extremely self-conscious of my repetitions, either doing everything I can to avoid repeating substantive words or phrases if I don't mean, really, to tie the uses together, or really leaning in to the repetitions.) Thank you!
Thank you, friend! I have the same self-consciousness, and I'd say most of the time it's the right thing: get rid of the accidental repetitions or ones that don't add anything! (I did a lot of that writing this piece, even, in my commentary.) Thanks for reading and sharing!
I have also recently read HEADSHOT and absolutely loved it. I did borrow it from my library, but I'll be purchasing a personal copy because I enjoyed every single sentence in that book. The name repetition felt really important to me. I'm so glad you broke that down here.
I like it when my instincts as a visual artist (nouns, images) and drummer (rhythms, rhymes) show up in experimental moments in my writing -- and then end up being affirmed in some way... because it usually feels like "I'm not supposed to do that, I should take that out" when I include them
I think every time you feel that thought you should carry on!
Ha. I've had the same experience: my name is Ann and my nickname is Ann Bell. When I was a kid I used to fantasize about changing my name to Alexandria or Anastasia.
I'm sure it's partly just two-syllable names. But it has been persistent across my life!
LOVE Tufte's book.
Truly one of the best books I ever found!
I love repeating such noun phrases! It’s so hard to teach it to others, though, because whether it works or not has to do with the rhythm of the prose and the narrator’s voice.
Agreed! I’ve taught that Lopez story often, and it’s really interesting how it hits hard for some readers and others just have no idea what to do with it. I think it has a lot to do with how they hear it, even if only in the mind.
This is fascinating, Matt! (I'm always extremely self-conscious of my repetitions, either doing everything I can to avoid repeating substantive words or phrases if I don't mean, really, to tie the uses together, or really leaning in to the repetitions.) Thank you!
Thank you, friend! I have the same self-consciousness, and I'd say most of the time it's the right thing: get rid of the accidental repetitions or ones that don't add anything! (I did a lot of that writing this piece, even, in my commentary.) Thanks for reading and sharing!
I have also recently read HEADSHOT and absolutely loved it. I did borrow it from my library, but I'll be purchasing a personal copy because I enjoyed every single sentence in that book. The name repetition felt really important to me. I'm so glad you broke that down here.