SHAKING THE TREE ... #8
Writing tips from Kurt Vonnegut
Writing tips from Kurt Vonnegut
The American writer and humorist Kurt Vonnegut (/ˈvɒnɪɡət/; November 11, 1922 – April 11, 2007) was known for his satirical and darkly humorous novels.
During his 50-year career Vonnegut published fourteen novels, three collections of short-stories, five plays, and five works of nonfiction. Further collections of his writing have been published since his death.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Vonnegut attended Cornell University but withdrew in January 1943 and enlisted in the US Army.
As part of his training he studied mechanical engineering at the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) and the University of Tennessee.
In 1944, he was assigned to the 23rd Infantry Division and sent to Europe. He was captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge and held as a prisoner of war in Dresden, Germany. He witnessed the firebombing of Dresden by Allied forces, which killed an estimated 135,000 people.
After the war, Vonnegut returned to the United States and began writing.
His first novel, Player Piano, was published in 1952. His subsequent novels, including Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973), explored the themes of war, technology, and the absurdity of life.
His writing has been praised for its humor, wit, and insights into the human condition. He’s been called "one of the most important American writers of the 20th century" and "a master of the absurd."
Vonnegut died in 2007. He was 84.
In 1980, International Paper asked Kurt Vonnegut to write an ad for them; it was part of a series of ads written by well-known American authors. Vonnegut’s ad began with the headline: How to write with style, and while I’m not going to review that ad here, the advice he share remains valid and what follows is based on the contents of that ad. You’ll find a link to the series of ads I’m referring to at the end of this article.
Find a subject you care about. Vonnegut said that the most important thing a writer can do is find a subject they care about. When you care about something, that passion shows. Writing that’s easier to read is more engaging and interesting.
Do not ramble. A master of brevity, Vonnegut knew every word needs to earn its keep. Get to the point quickly.
Keep it simple. Vonnegut's writing was clear and concise. He didn't use big words or complex sentences. He wrote simply. Keep your language concise.
Have the guts to cut. Vonnegut wasn’t afraid to cut his own work. He knew that sometimes, less is more. When you're writing, be willing to cut anything that doesn't add to the story. Don't be afraid to let go of your darlings.
Sound like yourself. Vonnegut had a unique voice as a writer. He wasn't afraid to be himself in his writing. When you're writing, try to find your own voice. Don't imitate other writers. Let your own personality shine through in your writing.
Use humor. Humor makes writing more engaging and memorable. You don’t need to go for hilarity. An occasional chuckle will do. But humor is memorable.
Don't be afraid to fail. Vonnegut said that the only way to learn to write is to write. He also said that the only way to fail is to stop writing. So don't be afraid to put your work out there. Even if it's not perfect, it's still a step in the right direction. The more you write, the better you'll get.
I hope these tips help your writing.
As for me, I’m still finding my way. I know few people are seeing my articles and I’m OK with that. The process of becoming known isn’t a sprint to an immediate finish line. I’m thankful if one person reads my stuff.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … How to help your writing escape the herd.
P.P.S. Here’s a link to the ads referred to above.