Some might say the stories are simple or lack depth but frankly I think they’re missing the whole point. It’s adventure for the joy of the journey with engaging characters that leap into action and never look back. To me, the stories are pure, straightforward, bold journeys into unexplored lands.
I feel the freedom of the writers as I explore the fantastic worlds they seem to splash onto the pages with bold strokes of the pen. It’s almost as if they’re writing simply for the enjoyment of it and not worrying if anyone will ever read, much less critique, their tale spinning.
Although I will readily admit that learning the fundamentals of plot, structure, character development and all the other foundational techniques are important, I like to relegate these gatekeepers to the editing stages.
I think my ultimate goal is to write rough drafts as though I were a kid merely delighting in the adventure, free from any constraints.
As I was finishing this post, I looked up quotes by Edgar Rice Burroughs and found a fitting one that sums things up nicely.
“No fiction is worth reading except for entertainment. If it entertains and is clean, it is good literature, or its kind. If it forms the habit of reading, in people who might not read otherwise, it is the best literature.”
― Edgar Rice Burroughs
Inspiring post, Paul! Thank you for reminding me that rough drafts should be about the joy of writing. =)
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