Readers Make Better Writers (1)

   Readers Make Better Writers is a new series of blog posts I am creating.
I believe the more active readers we are the better writers we can become.
By reading stories I can see what works well and use good writing examples
to better my own writing. In these posts I will include a piece of text I enjoyed,
why I enjoyed it as a reader, and how I can use it in my writing.

Opening to Gossamer by Lois Lowry An owl called, its shuddering hoots repeating mournfully in the distance. Somewhere nearby, heavy wings swooped and a young rabbit, captured by sharp talons, shrieked as he was lifted to his doom. Startled, a raccoon looked up with bright eyes from the place where he was foraging. Two deer moved in tandem through a meadow. A thin cloud slid across the moon.
  (Source)

Reader: I loved this piece by Lois Lowry it is very poetic. This piece of 
writing played with my senses very well. I could hear the hoot of the owl, 
see the rabbit being taken, and hear the shriek as the rabbit is captured. 
   After I read this short paragraph I had to stop and think about it for
awhile. The images in my head were running wild.  I felt like I was in
nature with those animals. A nice peaceful feeling swept over me then.

Writer: Lois Lowry reminds us that much can be said in just a few
sentences. Sometimes our writing gets too wordy which makes the
story harder to follow. Simple can be better.
   Picking words appropriately is also important. If words are hard to
understand a lot can be lost. Take into account the audience when
choosing words. Would your audience understand the jargon or 
technical words used? Are the words absolutely necessary? If they 
are then find a great way to describe the words in your story.
    
Sincerely,
R.J. Ropsen