What Michael Nesmith Teaches Us About Writing

Jeff Cohen

There's wings to the thought behind fancy;

There's wings to the thought behind play

--Michael Nesmith, "Rio"

 

Those of us who traffic in "lighter" fare are used to a certain level of condescension. After all, books that might make you laugh are rarely called "important" or included on Best of the Year lists. Even the terms associated with comedy based writing--"light," "breezy," "humorous" (ugh!) or "comfortable"--are backhanded compliments. 

But by far, my least favorite is "effortless."

Let's sum that one up: An author comes up with a story idea. That is developed into a full plot, given characters to populate it, twists to its plot and words for its people to say. It is expected to have the same depth of character, intrigue of plot, pacing, believability and level of involvement that a "serious" book would have.

Now, add laughs. Legitimate ones. Not the cheap stuff that any writer might concoct. We're talking professional comedy that is aimed at a readership that could be comprised of just about anyone. And those of us who do that hope that we're reaching you with all those elements at once.

Effortless?

Believe me, there's effort involved. 

Now. When a reviewer or other observer says that the work "reads effortlessly," or "seems effortless," I am flattered. That's the goal--comedy shouldn't show the sweat; it should feel like it's spontaneous and natural. That's a good thing.

But when "effortless" is used independently--"the comedy is effortless"--that is insulting. There was effort; the craft is in not showing it. But it should be acknowledged.

Nitpicking? Maybe I am; I do tend to get defensive about this stuff. That doesn't mean the observation isn't legitimate. Respect the effort by noting its invisibility. End of sermon.

 

I don't believe in Writer's Block. I DO believe in another ailment, however: Blogger's Block. The only time I ever spend staring at a blank screen with no idea what's coming next is on some occasions when I'm facing a posting date and I don't know what I'm going to be writing about. I don't know what regular readers of this space (on Mondays) want to see, necessarily: Personal insights? Writing tips? Humor? Recipes (don't ask for recipes!)?

So I'm asking visitors who have suggestions--and I know you have suggestions--to drop by our Facebook page and offer them. Drop us a line. Let us know what you like, what you get from DEAD GUY, what you'd like to see. I can't speak for anyone from Tuesday to Sunday, but let me know what you want to see on Monday, and I'll TRY to provide it.

Just don't expect that it'll be effortless.

Comments

[Gerald So]

The use of "effortless" is one of my pet peeves, too, Jeff. "Seems effortless" does little more to make readers aware that the more smoothly a book reads, the more the author cared while writing it. I can even pick a nit with "reads effortlessly". It can imply that the writing is almost not worth one's time: "Oh, reading that was a piece of cake. I finished in one sitting."

[Jack Getze]

Willie Mays made those tough catches look effortless, too. The best make it look the easiest.

[Stephanie Evans]

I love an update on the work your son is doing--could you blog on that?

[Jessy Randall]

I'd like to see stories from the everyday work life of agents, editors, writers. That would be fairly effortless but also quite interesting, I think. I've learned a lot just from seeing the endless inbox of Josh Getzler.

[Jeff Cohen]

So I can assume we'll be seeing stories from the everyday work life of a librarian, Jessy?

[Brenda]

I find it annoying that great comedies aren't properly appreciated. I think it tells you something about those who don't appreciate them, though.

You could write a post about a day in your life while writing Book X. And for those wanting recipes instead of recipes you could simply mention what you eat at lunch & supper when you are at your busiest. (One of my aunts recommended mayonnaise & banana sandwiches for years. I don't eat them much but found they are delicious and a quick prep.)

I always enjoy your posts.

[Lynne Patrick]

A very wise man called Keith Waterhouse, who wrote exactly the kinds of books you describe and wrote them brilliantly, once said that writing a novel was akin to digging a small quarry with a teaspoon. Ring any bells, Jeff?
Wearing my reviewer's hat, I always preface effortless with apparently. Maybe that isn't enough.

[Jeff Cohen]

"Apparently" just indicates that the effortlessness is obvious, Lynne. I prefer "seemingly," since it implies that it just SEEMS that way.

It's possible I'm making too big a deal out of this...