What is “strong writing”?

“Strong writing” is somewhat subjective. Pose the question to 100 book reviewers or authors and you’re likely to get 100 different responses. Or variations on a theme.

Our Version

So what do we mean by “strong writing” in fiction? Glad you asked. Here’s the 4-1-1 (the short version):

When we say “strong writing” we mean Not Weak Writing.

Yeppers. It’s that simple.

Examples of weak writing and strong writing? Thanks for asking. Here ya go:

Weak Writing

• Weak writing is as dull as a blunt spoon. As inspiring as a plate of wilted arugula.
• It’s rehashed, recycled, warmed-over leftovers. (Sorry, Harry Potter knock-offs. That’s already been done.)
• It’s bland and anemic. It’s canned and cliched. It says the same thing over and over and over and…
• It’s See Spot. See Spot run. See Spot run fast.
• It’s as predictable as tomorrow’s sunrise.
• It’s pretentious and tries too hard.

In a nutshell, weak writing is writing that’s dull, insipid, uninspired, and lazy. Kinda like the neighbor’s cat. Okay, okay. Let’s not go there.

On the other hand:

Strong Writing

Strong writing is like Saint Nick: lively and quick. That means no dull moments. It doesn’t necessarily mean every single sentence or paragraph is action-packed or running on turbo-boost. It does mean things need to happen in every chapter, and there needs to be a “hanger” at the end of each chapter that will keep readers turning pages.

• Strong writing commands and hold our attention. It helps to be concise and to the point.
• Strong writing is “fat free.” No extra words, calories, puffery or meandering bunny trails. It offers a message that’s as crisp as a Northwest sky after an autumnal rain.
• Strong writing is clear, organized, and original. It’s coherent and logical. Transitions are smooth and make sense. Chapters are clean and orderly so readers aren’t reaching for Dramamine.
• Strong writing is often subtle. Nuanced. It doesn’t beat you over the head 284 times trying make its point. It doles out enough literary bread crumbs so you can follow the trail and then lets you find your own way.
• Strong writing pulls you in from chapter one. Most modern readers don’t have the time or the patience to wade through numerous chapters or 100 pages “until it gets good.” Strong writing grabs them right out of the gate and doesn’t let go until the final page
• Strong writing means crafting strong, three-dimensional characters who grow, learn, and develop. Not static cardboard cutouts who are chief residents of Snoozeville.
• Strong writing adds depth, texture, and color to characters, background, plot, voice, and world-building. It makes readers think. Pause. Ponder. Laugh or cry. Remember. Ruminate. Maybe grab some more Ghirardelli’s.
• Strong writing is error-free. That means no typos. No grammar, spelling or punctuation boo-boos.
• Strong writing elicts a response from the readers. It inspires, motivates, encourages, frustrates, educates, illuminates, challenges. To name a few.

Examples of strong fiction writing from books we’ve read (the abbreviated version. In no particular order):

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
• The Subversive Trilogy by Raena Rood
• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
• Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
• Unwind by Neal Shusterman
• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
• The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
• Sounder – William H. Armstrong
• The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
• Here in the Not Yet by David Spaugh
• Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill by Glenn Somodi
• Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
• Call It Courage – Armstrong Sperry
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Strong writing includes a nice, thick juicy steak.

Wait. What?

Kimber: I was just seeing if you’re still paying attention. By the way. Is it dinnertime yet?

What fiction books top your “strong writing” list?