Quote:
Originally Posted by ApK
I recently listened to the audio book. Vernacular with a Russian accent.
Fascinating choice, but not something I'd want as everyday fare.
I think the problem with the good/bad writing dichotomy (aside from being a false dichotomy) is that it's often a "No True Scotsman" argument.
Not limited to taste, but to whatever aspect of writing the person making the claim considers 'good,' at least once you get past the basics of standard spelling, usage and grammar.
But as far as "literary merit" or "good writing" beyond those basics, I'm not buying most people's claims to discerning objective standards.
I think I'm just agreeing with DiapDealer here.
Don't tell me Stephen King is not a 'good writer.' Being so effective a storyteller that so many people get wrapped up in--and emotionally moved by-- so many of your books is just as valid as standard of 'good writer' as any other. That's what I call a True Scotsman, anyway.
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Of course Stephen Kings books are not badly written. I would argue that badly written is mostly an objective thing. If you then think the book is bad, OK, good or very good is probably mostly a matter of taste. But given a badly written book a better written book with the same story and so on is always to prefer.