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To Pursue Excellence in Writing

Now, I'll tell you off the bat, I am not an excellent writer, I don't excel in this area or anything. But, I have this pet peeve, and as readers it should be everyone's pet peeve.

When I think of an amazing piece of literature, I think of Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen (getting my drift?). These are all writers which knew and understood the language they wrote in, the could give explanations of the worst parts to the best parts of the book in a way that showed their understanding of the English language they worked with.

I have recently dropped from an English class which so quickly taught me why I have often stayed away from modern literature. I know Stephen King is a highly praised author and all, and he is a decent writer, but the first thing I noticed in his book On Writing was that he seemed to have this intense desire to express himself by swearing in his writing.  In my mind, if you don't have the talent or understanding of the English language that seem to need to swear to get a point across, why are you writing? If a writer can't make a point without swearing maybe they need to learn some new vocabulary.

Well, this is my short rant of the day, and my personal reminder that literature influences my brain.

~Sara Jean

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