Skip to content

An argument against the smooth read

Which one are you writing?

David Gane
David Gane

Some books need sanding down. They should be fast and smooth and take you on a ride.

But not all of them.

Some books need edges. They need to hook into you, so you'll come back to ponder and think. These books are tools, filled with truths and insights on every page. They are the kind we want to revisit often—that will sharpen our brains and soul.

Books can be funhouse rides or well-worn tools. We only need to understand which one we are writing.

Blog

David Gane Twitter

Co-writer of the Shepherd and Wolfe young adult mysteries, the internationally award-winning series, and teacher of storytelling and screenwriting.

Comments


Related Posts

Members Public

What's it for?

Seth Godin recently asked two questions in a blog post: "Who's it for? What's it for?" When writing, do you know who it's for? It doesn't have to be an audience with a capital "A." It doesn't have to be for any audience; it can be for just you. But

Members Public

Journey with your characters

Most people can't have the whole story in their heads. Too many pieces, too many moving parts. That doesn't mean you must plan it out. Once your character's story takes shape, then begin. Allow yourself to be surprised and adapt, and let your imagination take you on a journey. That

Members Public

The lies our characters tell themselves

Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon tells the story of a priest and woodcutter trying to understand a murder by listening to the testimonies of the multiple people involved. Ultimately, they struggle to find the truth amongst the lies. A similar type of story occurs within each of us. We tell ourselves multiple