2026-09-08 18:05 UTC
@MichaelWhelan@mastodon.art
There's a particular quote from him about writing (there are many quotes about writing) which I went searching his blog for, but couldn't find. I'll have to paraphrase it like this:
"Never mislead your reader, or write a story with a twist. You should always be completely up-front with the reader about your intent not to give them what they expect."
Replies (1)
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@CliftonR@wandering.shop 2026-09-09 04:49
@MichaelWhelan@mastodon.art Ahh, I found it! The actual quote I was looking for is from 'advice to self, 1980s', and I was at least fairly close: "Never do clever tricks with reader expectation. Instead be honest, open and direct in your intention not to deliver the things they expect." https://ambientehotel.wordpress.com/2020/01/18/advice-to-self-1980s/ I think this applies very well to the brilliant writing of John Crowley too. Now I must go read more of Harrison.