Writing - 101

 

There are certain stories I have read over the years that were so well written that I have remembered them to this day.  A few of them feel like they really happened.  I believe those authors use what I call literary glue.  There is an adhesive quality to their writing that makes their images and adventures stick to you for a very long time.

Like most things, there are various types of glues.  Some, like the kind Stephen King uses, contain creepy additives, in a fear-based mixture.  Others, for example, have a blend of escapism and giggle-juice.  Winnie the Pooh comes to mind.

Nothing in this blog contains literary glue.  I have designed it to be immediately forgettable.  I will admit to using it in my book, The Pantry, but in very controlled amounts.

The glue isn’t anything you can find in stores or order on Amazon.  It simply comes into being as you write.  Just as there are some shoes that require layers of shoe polish to look good, there are others whose leather holds a richness and durability that is natural. You can see it, even if they are sitting all dusty, by the back door, their adventure along the trail shines through.  It doesn’t rub off.  It stays with you, forcing you to remember bits here and there, remembering how cool and fresh the morning air was as you hiked, or recalling the surface of the large bolder you rested against to have your lunch.  Just looking at those shoes brings it all back.  The bologna sandwich, with its mayonnaise that was way too long in your backpack, the life-flight helicopter ride to the emergency room.  It's all there on those shoes.  Little crusty reminders that have yet to be cleaned off.