by Miko Johnston
Whenever I read books on my Kindle, I find sentences, paragraphs, and dialogue highlighted by readers, in some cases by a multitude of readers. Lines that speak a certain truth to them, that are beautiful to read, or capture an emotion that hovers near the surface of our consciousness. Lines that express what many of us feel or know to be true, but we can’t articulate because we can’t say it as well, or at all.
Every time I write something, whether it’s a post for this blog, a correspondence, or an entire novel, I always have a line or two that makes me proud. Something I feel not only encapsulates what I want to say, but does so in a way that goes above and beyond what I normally write. Genius may be too strong (not to mention immodest), but the words raise the bar from good to superb, in my opinion. They capture a small moment in life, a bit of character. They illustrate what I mean to express in a unique, visual, and impactful way. At least, in my eyes.
Alas, I rarely hear others who’ve read the words and phrases I most prize and commended them. Don’t they get it? Or am I wrong? It frustrates me sometimes.
I always want readers to enjoy my work, page by page, cover to cover, but I also want them to savor what I consider to be extra-tasty bits. I can point to at least one example, and often more, in each of my novels, but I’ve yet to see them mentioned in reviews, or highlighted, figuratively or literally, throughout the pages. Even when I’ve repeated some examples of these lines and dialogue from an earlier Petal In The Wind novel, using them as flashbacks in a later book. Even when I’ve used a few examples in my posts on this blog to illustrate a point.
Okay, sometimes my writers group members have praised a particular line, but we always have to say something complementary. It might be like wine tasting – after sampling them all, the one you like best may not be great, just better than the rest.
Am I alone in thinking this? Do you ever wonder if readers have the same reaction to the lines you prize most as you? If they remember the passages you believe particularly memorable, repeat the lines you consider most quotable? Does it matter to you?
Miko Johnston, a founding member of The Writers in Residence, is the author of the historical fiction series, “A Petal in the Wind”, as well as a contributor to several anthologies including the about-t0-be-released “Whidbey Island: An Insider’s Guide”. Miko lives in Washington (the big one) with her rocket scientist husband. Contact her at mikojohnstonauthor@gmail.com
The Writers in Residence 
I did an interview with a gentleman who had an on-line show he called Common Sense. He asked me what makes sense to me and what doesn’t. I told him I weighed my views on how I was raised, my education, and events that I have seen during my life. But if new things come along I might reevaluate some of those old views. I might change my opinion and have a different view of something. So all people read the words we write and evaluate them based on their own life experiences. They might not see what you find important…at least not at the moment. But in time they might reevaluate their feelings and see things differently. That’s why rereading a classic book has us see those words in a different, clearer light after a second read. But if we all saw everything exactly the same there would be no new thoughts, growth, or an understanding that we are all learning new things in our lives.
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A wonderful interpretation, Gayle. I’ll remember what you said. And thanks.
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I’ve written a lot, Miko, but rarely zeroed in on a particular word or phrase as standing out. Maybe I should go back and find a few! Or consider something even more special to include in what I’m writing now. Intriguing and enjoyable post!
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Your readers must find your writing special, Linda, or else they wouldn’t continue to buy your books. They’re the best critics after all.
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Yes, I have been proud of certain wordings and phrasings I created that didn’t wow my readers. I had a reader mention a character description she liked, but it wasn’t one that meant much to me. On the other hand, I don’t always let a writer know when I’m impressed with particular lines he or she wrote. Maybe I should.
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So I’m not alone in this. I do praise exceptional passages or lines in my critique group. What better encouragement to continue writing is there.
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I realized that, as Maggie said, I don’t often let other writers know when I have been captivated by certain words or phrases. Maybe I should… And I do have certain phrases I have written that really ‘speak to my heart.’ But I have long ago let go of expecting anyone else to feel the same. Because their response might not be what I want to hear. So I just keep to myself those special words and phrases and feel proud to have written them. I recognize them, even if no one else does….
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I do as well, Rosemary, but I can’t help but wonder if others recognize them. Therefore I decided to share my thoughts on this subject with our readers.
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