tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post2506183479064805567..comments2024-03-27T05:14:28.724-04:00Comments on Author Michael J. Sullivan's Official Website: Objectively SpeakingMichael J. Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06892162383465544899noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-999214915919409102019-05-11T00:35:59.310-04:002019-05-11T00:35:59.310-04:00Biaya Operasi Pengangkatan Tumor
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I saw one that aimed to edit a famous book to their idea of what writing should be.I laughed rather a lot at the presumption.<br />Writing has fashions. Stuff that is currently frowned on (certain POV, headhopping etc) will be the big thing one day. What is considered "right writing" will one day be considered awful.<br />All a writer can really do is try and stay true to their developing voice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-39357090227588234252012-05-13T21:18:46.910-04:002012-05-13T21:18:46.910-04:00"English is an evolving language and the rule..."English is an evolving language and the rules keep changing."<br /><br />Indeed. Isn't the word "ain't" in the dictionary now?J. Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00524149847037349007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-37330663221443816472012-05-13T21:12:05.402-04:002012-05-13T21:12:05.402-04:00When I was in the tenth grade, H.P. Lovecraft chan...When I was in the tenth grade, H.P. Lovecraft changed my life. Never has one set of stories (mostly the Cthulu mythos but some others) so completely altered my world. They opened up doors in my imagination that are still swinging wide open in eldritch winds.<br /><br />Cool, weird stuff. And tangentially related, if you ever want real world weird, look up the "The Big Bloop".J. Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00524149847037349007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-17646578955308642802012-05-13T12:36:52.648-04:002012-05-13T12:36:52.648-04:00Speaking about about grammar...
While I'll ad...Speaking about about grammar...<br /><br />While I'll admit I'm not a scholar on the subject, (but I'm working on improving) a lot of others aren't experts either, but think they are. I've had people write me, highlighting mistakes (nice people to be sure--they aren't being creeps, just helpful.) The problem is that they are often wrong. Some just learned the rules incorrectly, others don't realize that a lot of grammar is subject to style, and for still others, well, it's been a while since they last took a class in it. English is an evolving language and the rules keep changing. "Roofs" used to be "rooves" after all, and people are still fist-fighting over the Oxford comma. <br /><br />A painter once taught me to forget about dragging the brush back and forth over a canvas. "You're not painting a bedroom wall, you're an artist. Push the brush, stab the canvas, use your palette knife to smear or scrape...whatever you need to do to get the effect you're after. Painting properly is for house painters." <br /><br />I think he was right about more than painting.Michael J. Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06892162383465544899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-66953836839188382902012-05-13T11:42:29.267-04:002012-05-13T11:42:29.267-04:00On the subject of prose:
I would echo Michael'...On the subject of prose:<br /><br />I would echo Michael's thoughts on prose. I am constantly confounded, when reading through Amazon reviews, by comments on prose, good and bad. And I almost never agree. I couldn't think of a less objective standard to judge a book. If you like it you like it. If you don't you don't. Damn anyone else's opinion.<br /><br />To go back to the example of Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", there are some reviewers today complaining about Tolkien and his prose. But I love it. I've read through the books ten times now. And I always love them.<br /><br />And Grammar and spelling are as much an editor's issue as an author's. Just look at some well known, prolific author (pick one with more than fifteen books published) and check the spelling and grammar of later books. Authors seem to get to a point in their career where their editors just say, "The hell with it...get it on the shelves." Stephen King and Robert Jordan<br /> are good examples, I think.<br /><br />Almost nobody spells everything correctly or uses the language correctly, in every case, the first or even second time around (and an argument could be made that even if they did, would you want to read it?). Everyone needs an editor. <br /><br />P.S. - It was interesting to see Mazarkis Williams here. I just got his book out of the library yesterday. I can't wait to start it.J. Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00524149847037349007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-82413599134917355222012-05-12T23:47:21.504-04:002012-05-12T23:47:21.504-04:00"Lovecraft... bad..." in the same senten..."Lovecraft... bad..." in the same sentence? Does not compute.Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843498255995206647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-17054754404610685552012-05-12T23:46:35.919-04:002012-05-12T23:46:35.919-04:00I've had this same argument countless times ov...I've had this same argument countless times over the years. There's a big difference between "XXXX sucks" and "I don't like XXXX." It baffles me that people who consider themselves to be scholarly don't recognize that fact.Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01843498255995206647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-69999144093737954462012-05-12T22:32:35.146-04:002012-05-12T22:32:35.146-04:00I am with you 100% on this post. I have often argu...I am with you 100% on this post. I have often argued the same things on my blog. I have gone so far as to say that what constitutes art itself is a matter of subjectivity, and that often people use the term "art" based entirely on their own biased assumptions. Every time some "expert" tries to make a list of what constitutes "good" writing, someone else comes up with examples that contradict it. Some of my favorite authors break all the rules. H.P. Lovecraft's works, for example, though loved by many, has been criticized for its lack of character and overabundance of adjectives and adverbs. One critic even went so far as to claim Lovecraft was America's greatest bad author (whatever that means); at the same time, Barnes & Nobles features a Lovecraft Collection in their Classics section, right next to Homer, Shakespeare, Asimov and all the other "greats".Nick Alimonoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10161049767389836254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-28203579815263217552012-05-12T14:54:35.913-04:002012-05-12T14:54:35.913-04:00Off subject again sorry. But have you ever wondere...Off subject again sorry. But have you ever wondered how cruel it was for whoever coined the word 'dyslexia?' How would one be able to admit it.<br /><br />One thing that irks in art or writing, or comments on writing is when a critic assumes wondrous interpretations on the subjects merits and invents metaphors and images for its conception or hidden meaning. Are they the writer or artist how do they know what was the motivator? The same book or canvas can have wildly differing connections with the viewer, with as many divergent interpretations.<br /><br />The bottom line for me is always; did this piece touch my soul, or reward my time with it. Will this experience effect my perspective on life, better my outlook, and ultimately, going back to another of your comments Michael; will it last, will my encounter with it stay with me. <br /><br />There are so many other facets between good or bad, I doubt any one creative work can fit either extreme.<br /><br />Sorry if I come across pontificating - Love this Blogg.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-83198761672756791412012-05-12T11:32:24.477-04:002012-05-12T11:32:24.477-04:00I agree that there are some objective things to lo...I agree that there are some objective things to look at when reading novels. Grammar and spelling. But what makes a character flat? There can be many different answers to that question. I have friends that are bothered to no end by books that I love. I don't think that makes them bad books.Jess Storkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07001356586353583612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-65872492139987050592012-05-11T13:38:58.513-04:002012-05-11T13:38:58.513-04:00You didn't see that...these aren't the dro...You didn't see that...these aren't the droids you're looking for.Michael J. Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06892162383465544899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-7703470343871864042012-05-11T12:02:07.841-04:002012-05-11T12:02:07.841-04:00Apologies for using the wrong fingers on Emperor.Apologies for using the wrong fingers on Emperor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-66297587009854713562012-05-11T11:54:34.107-04:002012-05-11T11:54:34.107-04:00But what is bad prose? Someone fond of Steinbeck w...But what is bad prose? Someone fond of Steinbeck would likely believe Hemingway's prose to be bad. Everyone knows of bad books, (because we all know what we like), the problem is people can't agree which ones they are.<br /><br />And thanks for stopping by Mazarkis, still reading and enjoying "Emperor's Knife." Clearly a book filled with beautiful prose.Michael J. Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06892162383465544899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-16124330476671047382012-05-11T11:54:19.404-04:002012-05-11T11:54:19.404-04:00Very interesting piece once again, thank you.
It ...Very interesting piece once again, thank you.<br /><br />It is usually the way with those leading questions, often from complete strangers, that they as you indicated already have a fairly definitive opinion, and are therefore itching to impart the opinion on you. Some of your interesting analogies immediately reminded me of 'The Emporer's New Clothes.'<br /><br />Not sure if you are aware, but the current UK bullies are those agents and publishers who are directing authors to classify under YA, because that is what may be easier to sell. My question back to you is what is YA. Is or would 'Oliver Twist,' 'Copperfield,' 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' 'Treasure Island,' come under YA today? - The Emporer's retinue bully us into saying - 'yes!'Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-52039756792701344462012-05-11T09:53:49.179-04:002012-05-11T09:53:49.179-04:00A "bad" book would include bad prose, di...A "bad" book would include bad prose, disorganized/absent storytelling, and flat characters. I don't doubt bad books exist. But when someone calls one "bad" just because they didn't like it or didn't understand it--that's just arrogance.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11434208987678485290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-56015190275777994152012-05-11T09:18:45.269-04:002012-05-11T09:18:45.269-04:00On the subject of grammatical errors and typos. I&...On the subject of grammatical errors and typos. I'm not certain that I've ever read a book that didn't have them. From Charles Dickens to the Pulitzer Prize winning The Road (which is an English teacher's nightmare.) "Technical mistakes" are often done intentionally, or simply ignored for effect (laziness might be a factor as well.) I personally feel the first sentence of A Tale of Two Cities is a glaring example of bad writing in style as well as grammar, but I suspect I would be in a minority in that opinion, as that book is critically acclaimed and is presently the highest selling novel of all time.Michael J. Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06892162383465544899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-67205325102609886862012-05-11T09:03:11.908-04:002012-05-11T09:03:11.908-04:00Using "objectivity" to judge art is a fu...Using "objectivity" to judge art is a futile act. Especially considering that every reader will have a unique interaction with any given book, how can anyone say what works for them necessarily works (or doesn't) for everyone else. Yes, books can be objectively _flawed_ in some ways, such as a having a typo. But if Michelangelo's David got a nick in it, would it lose all value and become "bad"?Jocelynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12215149178021299840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-25418327524289631012012-05-10T22:36:32.097-04:002012-05-10T22:36:32.097-04:00Who were you talking to? Harold Bloom?Who were you talking to? Harold Bloom?Lagomorph Rexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06385231158384929598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-77482566581604126072012-05-10T18:20:18.561-04:002012-05-10T18:20:18.561-04:00TJ
Making an argument as to why you like or dislik...TJ<br />Making an argument as to why you like or dislike something is great, that's often what good books seek to do. But I trust you would never declare that the 4th book is awful and anyone who thinks differently is just ignorant.<br /><br />Certain people seem to be more sensitive to one sort of short-coming--bad grammar, or plot holes for instance--while others never even notice those, but might focus on something else entirely. I'm pretty sure there has never been a book universally accepted as perfect.<br /><br />Libby<br />I just can't picture you as so judgmental--oh, and I wouldn't call the question's originator a friend exactly. I don't even know their name. The question was posed to me on Reddit.Michael J. Sullivanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06892162383465544899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-84074937525142464772012-05-10T14:39:13.767-04:002012-05-10T14:39:13.767-04:00I used to think the way your friend did, but that ...I used to think the way your friend did, but that was when I was in my very early twenties and still trying to find my world view. It was arrogance on my part but at the time, that's all I had to stand on. I had no knowledge to speak of. I'm not saying your friend's the same way, just saying where that came from in me. Now that I've grown up a little, I can see past my own limited concepts of enjoyment and acknowledge that my opinion does not set the standard of good and bad art. I'm no Twilight fan but if it floats your boat then enjoy! The world would be a boring place if we all agreed on "good" art. Art is subjective. That's why it's awesome.Libbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14323538213636795216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3354915789972448915.post-873460227345201582012-05-10T14:10:04.523-04:002012-05-10T14:10:04.523-04:00So, while I don't think one can argue that a n...So, while I don't think one can argue that a novel is objectively bad, I do believe there are pieces of a book that could be looked at objectively (ergo: misspellings, inconsistencies, etc.)<br /><br />Here's an example: My least favorite HP novel is #4. Now, artistically, most people I know seem to favor that one. I don't see it, but they do.<br /><br />My biggest problem with the novel is a major storyline point with an inconsistency. That being the Portkey. What is a portkey? An item that moves you from one location to another at a pre-charmed point in time. That is how it is described at the beginning.<br /><br />Now, Rowling never states that if you let go of the object, it will return you to where it took you from (that I can recall). Nor does it say you can just say "first person who touches it gets transported." Without these two ideas, the end of the book with HP and Edward...ahem...Cedric being transported to Voldemort makes no sense. <br /><br />This is not the only reason why I did not like the book. But it is something that makes me say "how does that work?"<br /><br />Objective piece that others ignore in their favoring of this work, but I use it as furthering why I did not like it.T.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09686063961881406987noreply@blogger.com