Writing

Writing too evocatively?

The coolest part of working in a giant variety of areas is that I’m always reading something new. On any given day, I get to learn how to install a VoIP phone, see what’s happening in the world, and get lost in a fantasy.

The problem with that, however, is my brain doesn’t always separate one thing from another. I’ve always said writing is writing is writing, and, as an extension of that, editing is editing is editing. So, when I work, whether I’m writing or I’m editing, I’m looking at creating evocative language, making sure words flow together and that they’re grammatically correct and not so much worrying about the content.

But every once in a while, the content from one tends to creep into the other, with not so great results, And while I’m sure my authors will forgive me when the superstrict rules of the telecommunications world creep into the romance editing – Yes, you’re allowed to use allow, enable, may, might, could, should, and would – sometimes the romance stuff tends to affect my other work a little too much.

The evocative writing, however, tends not to work so well. Well, I guess it’s how you look at it. Headlines with blood and guts and sex tend to drive a lot of clicks from users, but it makes the bosses not so happy. *wink* But it’s really funny how editing the kinds of fiction I do has affected what I think is risque and what isn’t.

For example, last week, I wrote a package that featured a Rick Mercer clip making fun of Torontonians and their reaction to snow. (And quite frankly, after Thursday and a Six.Hour.Drive.Home (!!!!), they darn well deserve it) Now, while I thought it was the funniest thing ever, I was a little hesitant that some people may be a little insulted. Let’s face it, Toronto as a whole has a bit of a God complex. The thing is, the same day? I was perfectly okay putting up a video about protests over seal clubbing, complete with naked women draped with fake blood (er, at least I hope it was fake blood). I know. Wierd, right? I blame Rene‘s vampires and Roxy‘s BDSM menages. *grin*

I know in the long run when I do find the time to start writing fiction again, it’ll make my writing that much better, but for now, well, the news has to stay the news. But seriously, how much better would a user manual for an IP server be if I added a little romance to it?