George Orwell's six rules of writing

[adrian_D]

It was probably Strunk and White that copied Orwell, because those are indeed his 6 rules.

Considering he was only 15 when the first edition came out, I'd venture to say it's the opposite.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elements_of_Style
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Orwell

I suggest that if you look carefully at the original 1918 publication (not the updated 1959 edition),you'll find there is very little that directly correlates with Orwell's six rules of writing. Having said that, it does appear to be an excellent guide.

http://www.bartleby.com/141/

 

[Thomas the Rhymer]

How many of you are actually professional writers?

How is that question relevant? This isn't a thread about how to make money off writing, it's about writing style.

 

[The Fantasist]

How many of you are actually professional writers?

I've had articles and photo essays printed in magazines but that in no way makes me better qualified to speak about writing style than anyone else here.

If you write you are a writer. Simple. Making money or being published is irrelevant and in no way indicates talent.

 

[anamericaninbangkok]

How many of you are actually professional writers?

How is that question relevant? This isn't a thread about how to make money off writing, it's about writing style.

It's simply a question. The thread is about George Orwell's rules of writing, not necessarily style per se.

Vorkuta, People all over the world write. This technically makes them a person capable of writing. It does not however, make them a literary or editorial writer. Chimpanzees and elephants have the ability to write — this does not make them writers.

Those who are paid to write are generally paid because they have enough talent to have someone exchange money for their work. Those who do not get paid either don't care about being paid, are without talent, have yet to be published, or they have yet to find a medium willing to pay them.

 

[Sp5]

The Complete Plain Words by Sir Ernest Gowers is a great style guide.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Plain-Words-Ernest-Gowers/dp/0140511997

 

[cardguy]

I have visited the house (on the Isle of Jura - off the west coast of Scotland) where Orwell wrote '1984'.

It is a very remote place. Can't imagine why he wanted to live there.

 

[Sonsowey]

These rules are firmly frowned upon by just about everyone.

Long flowery uncreative language is held up as the gold standard.

 

[The Fantasist]

How many of you are actually professional writers?

How is that question relevant? This isn't a thread about how to make money off writing, it's about writing style.

Vorkuta, People all over the world write. This technically makes them a person capable of writing. It does not however, make them a literary or editorial writer. Chimpanzees and elephants have the ability to write — this does not make them writers.

I presumed I did not need to write the word 'habitual' into my post as you would understand the intent. I'll add the word to make it clearer:

Anybody who habitually writes is a writer.

Yes you can stick a brush in a monkey's hand and let him scrawl but that is in no way relevant to anyone being a writer or to this thread. The chimp does not understand the words it is writing or doing so for its own satisfaction. If you sit down to write stories or articles or poems etc. you are if you wish to choose to call yourself so, a writer. Talent has nothing to do with it, nor does receiving payment for what you do. I had an article about Kyrgyzstan published in a magazine, I received no payment for it. I am about to have one published about a journey I took to Russia for which I shall be paid for. Does that mean I wasn't a writer before when I wasn't paid but am now that someone will pay me? No of course not.

I write therefore I am a writer.

 

[Beyond Borders]

I like that more people on the forum are getting interested in writing.

I think it's a great way to strengthen your brain and develop your ideas (not to mention spread them), and I imagine a lot of the more intellectual guys here would be pretty good at it. Hope to see some guys out there getting published at some point.