Now that I’ve finished writing The
Bet, I’m taking some time to go back through it and actually read it – and edit
it. Since I started the thing, I’ve
never given myself that bit of freedom to actually take the time to do that, so
most of what I’m reading now is stuff that once I had finished writing it, I
never looked at again.
And one thing I noticed (and I’ve
actually noticed many times before) about my writing, is my over-use of a
literary device called an ellipsis. For those who don’t know… that’s those
three little dots I use a lot… to signify way too many different things.
But now that I’ve got the time to
look at things better, I’m noticing that little device more. And I wondered… should I change my style to
be more… mundane?
But then… wasn’t it Shakespeare who
once said:
To ellipsis… or not to
ellipsis: That is the question. Whether tis nobler in the mind to
suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous literary critics as they cry foul at
my use of those three little dots… or to bow to their demands and pay
total homage to the proper use of the English language? Or do I instead
bear the whips and scorns of time and the oppressor’s cruel words and continue
to defy them all and write as I want to write… forsaking all scholarly advice
in favor of my own crude style… saying to them all… “To hell with you. I
like the way I’m doing it!” But to die, to sleep; no more worrying about
the heartache of what those critics may say. To sleep: perchance to
dream of being the good little writer. Ay, there’s the rub; for in that
sleep what dreams may come of fame and acceptance… and… dare I dream it…
greatness! And thus the native hue of resolution is sickled o’er with the
pale cast of decision… With this regard, I choose to ellipsis… to stand
in defiance of what is proper… to sing to the world as Frank Sinatra once
sang: “I did it my way!”
Yeah, I’m weird!
I know there’s been a few questions asked. I’ll try to get to them in a few days. In the meantime, if anyone has any questions,
please feel free to ask – anytime!
Have a great day…
2 comments:
I've been known to use the ellipsis myself...(see?) and I often go back to make sure I haven't overdone it. Most often, I discover I'm trying to avoid another piece of punctuation I may use too much, the dash.
I don't think you're using the ellipsis too much. If you go through the later chapters, you actually don't use it very much. You're doing a great job, don't change a thing!
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