Great Writers

Yesterday, I talked about how Ayn Rand started a new philosophical movement. Before that, I mentioned how Robert E. Howard created a new genre. I consider both authors to be among the best of all time. Sure there's a long list of great authors. Melville, Dickens, Hemingway, and Twain are only a few off the top of my head. But how many really were as original, as unique as Rand and Howard? To actually create a new philosophy...to create a new genre...man, it doesn't get too much better than that.

As for me, I'll be happy to just get published. When/if that happens, only then will I be concerned about how my work affects the world. I hope to increase awareness for victims's rights in KOK. I hope to increase awareness for intercultural understanding in THE VASE. But that's more like an awareness day. Like the NFL last Sunday was breast cancer awareness day. All the football players wore pink to promote it. That's great. The more people who are thinking about that, the more people might get checked, and maybe some lives are saved.

But what about art for art's sake? Sure. I can remember reading Howard and being blown away by his great writing, his use of prose and poetry to bring the adventures of a prehistoric barbarian into my home. It didn't save my life, but it sure entertained me. That is something that deserves credit unto itself. Even if a life isn't saved, or health improved, great writing, great stories and great characters are worth reading.

The key is the writing. Literary agents almost always talk about "voice." And every time they try to explain what "voice" is, they really don't. They say they're looking for a great voice...a unique voice...a voice that grabs them, pulls them in, a voice that hooks them.

You know what I call it? I call it great writing. If it's good, or great writing, then you've got a good, or great voice. It's as simple as that. What a crock, this "voice" thing. Just call it what it is. That's all.