Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, I'm glad to hear that Friday's post resonated with you. And that it reminded you of Orwell! It's funny, I misread the third rule as "if it's IMpossible to cut a word out, always cut it out." I think I actually prefer my mangled version - there's a lesson in there about being strict with what's necessary and what's not. Seems fitting for the theme of 'kill your darlings'!
I like this and it puts me in mind of Orwell's 'rules' for skilful writing (my favourite is the final 'rule')
Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
Never use a long word where a short one will do.
If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
Never use the passive where you can use the active.
Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, I'm glad to hear that Friday's post resonated with you. And that it reminded you of Orwell! It's funny, I misread the third rule as "if it's IMpossible to cut a word out, always cut it out." I think I actually prefer my mangled version - there's a lesson in there about being strict with what's necessary and what's not. Seems fitting for the theme of 'kill your darlings'!