Writing Like Picasso: Know the Rules, Then Break Them
March 29, 2010
People who write frequently for the Internet write in a much more informal style than they would, say, when writing a term paper. I think the thought process behind this more relaxed style goes something like this: “I want people to read what I write, so it has to be interesting. If it’s formal, people will get bored and not read it.” I’m all for that, really I am, but I think we’ve got to consider that writing on the Internet (blogging, even tweeting) is still a form of writing, and to do it well we must be both informed and intentional.
Check this little quote about Picasso:
Picasso demonstrated uncanny artistic talent in his early years, painting in a realistic manner through his childhood and adolescence; during the first decade of the twentieth century his style changed as he experimented with different theories, techniques, and ideas. (Source: Wikipedia)
(Sidenote: I know nothing about art, but I did learn this in my Art Survey class…a class in which I didn’t do so well…and this may be the only thing I learned…) Basically, Picasso was a really good artist in the traditional sense. If you look at some of his early works, they’re not nearly as out-there as his later stuff…and they’re very good.
But then he changed his method. Instead of being a really good traditional artist, he wanted to be unique and therefore tried new things. He knew the rules, but he chose to break them.
I’m thinking that bloggers and other writers of more informal material should take a page out of Picasso’s book. Know the rules. Learn traditional writing. Read Strunk and White’s Elements of Style (affiliate link, but seriously—read it). Practice using rhetorical devices. Take your writing seriously.
Then break the rules. Make non-traditional moves. Use words in edgy ways. Move around punctuation. Emphasize things that shouldn’t be emphasized. Write short sentences. Or write long sentences that begin with conjunctions, and you can even use run-on sentences if you want and if you think that it will help to prove your point or even if you just want to do so.
You get the picture.
I think Picasso was on to something. In your writing, know the rules, but don’t be afraid to break them.
Image Credit: Beate Knappe
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4 Comments to Writing Like Picasso: Know the Rules, Then Break Them
by stephenbateman
On March 29, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Dude that's funny, I just wrote a post called Orwell's rules of communication, all about the rules of writing.
Check it out http://stephenbateman.com/?p=1041
I think I break the rules by accident too often, my grammar isn't stellar that's for sure. But I'm gettin there!
My recent post Orwells Rules of Communication
by Steven Rossi
On March 30, 2010 at 2:15 am
For sure it's a learning process. I like to learn to write well in small doses. For instance, with that list of rhetorical devices that I linked to above, it's fun for me to read one of those a day. That way there's not too much pressure and you still get the goods.
by UPrinting Coupons
On April 30, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Very true. Bloggers, especially those who want to start a career as a professional, must know first the rules in terms of writing. This will help them build their credibility as a professional writer, which is important if you want to build a strong readership. What I want to see in the future is an article teaching bloggers how to effectively market their profession and building their reputation as brand itself.
by Mark Spizer
On May 3, 2010 at 8:50 am
Great post as usual!