Bad Writing: The Often Overlooked Ruin of a Good Story

Many avid readers and writers often fall into the trap of believing that a great story is merely defined by a compelling plot. However, as I will argue in this article, the quality of writing can often be the make-or-break element in determining whether a tale resonates deeply with its audience.

Writing, Not Just the Plot

While a strong plot certainly plays a critical role in a story's success, it is the narrative craft that truly makes or breaks the reading experience. The execution of ideas through writing style, voice, and prose flow can either immerse the reader or push them away. "Content" is not merely a vehicle for the conveyance of plot; it is the bridge between the author and the reader.

From Good Plots to Poor Storytelling

There are numerous examples of stories that demonstrate a fantastic plot but suffer from weak writing. These tales may excite and intrigue the reader at the outset due to their inventive concepts, but ultimately the unrefined prose and lack of stylistic finesse can impede immersion and enjoyment. For instance, a suspenseful narrative where the protagonist is miraculously pulled into a conflict with a rival lose-lose position can be absorbing in concept, but if the writing is clunky or the prose reads like a disconnected jumble, the story's impact diminishes significantly.

Personal Experience: The Prelude to Insight

When I was younger, I undeniably thought that a story's plot was the most crucial factor in its success. However, as I began to dissect my preferences in literature, I realized that an excellent plot can often only get a story so far. My initial beliefs were challenged when I had the opportunity to sample unpolished first drafts from published authors. One particular moment stands out in my mind as a testament to this notion.

Game of Shadows: An Exemplar of a Poorly Written Story

The scene I'm about to describe is a standout example of where a decent plot was entirely overshadowed by terrible writing. The setting is London on a stormy night, and the narrator engages in a poetic yet exasperatingly verbose description of the atmospheric conditions. My appreciation for the plot evaporated almost entirely when I reached the first few pages of the draft. The author seemed to struggle with the narrative style, switching between first and third person mid-sentence and drifting between vague ideas, creating a disjointed experience that failed to engage me.

Imagine a story about a small-time conman who suddenly finds himself entangled in a grand war. Upon discovering a familial connection to the very authority he's antagonizing, the story's plot is rather clever. However, the writing itself is another matter entirely. Consider the following passage from what could have been an intriguing story:

"It was a dark and stormy night the rain fell in torrents—except at occasional intervals when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets for it is in London that our scene lies rattling along the housetops and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness."

The prose, while evocative, is so verbose it becomes hindered. It loses its reader's attention almost as quickly as the lamps struggle against the intensely rough weather described. Contrast this with a more streamlined and clear narrative:

"It was a stormy night in London, the rain came down in sheets, but now and then, a fierce gust of wind swept through the streets, rattling the housetops and flickering the few lamps struggling against the darkness."

Both scenes convey the same image, but the second does so more effectively. Simpler, yes, but infinitely more readable and engaging. Good writing is not just the absence of poor writing; it is the presence of clear, vivid, and emotive prose.

Conclusion: Beyond the Plot

Thus, it dawned on me that a story's impact does not solely hinge on its plot. The writing itself is the backbone that carries the narrative, transforming ideas into a cohesive and impactful experience. While a good plot is vital, the writing quality should not be overlooked. Even the most compelling plots can be stifled by poor writing. In the end, the best stories are those that balance a well-crafted plot with expertly written prose.