On Species of Writing

I have been learning about the kinds of writing. It is a learning which is coming not by any regular curriculum but simply by using and reading and thinking about the various kinds. So of course I still know little enough about them. But I like what I am learning. Each kind must be approached in its own way because each has its own rules and standards of beauty. And there are so many different kinds.

For instance newspaper writing is different from academic writing which is different from essay writing which is different from blogpost writing which is different from letter writing which is different from nonfiction writing which is different from short story writing which is different from novel writing which is different from playwriting which is different from poetry writing. Every single one of those takes a different style and different skills.

I do not mean that one must relearn how to write for each kind of writing. Skill once learned is of course adaptable. But no two kinds of writing take the same skills in the same ways. Each one requires another modulation of craft. And I love that they do. Language can take forms so delightfully varied that getting to know the ins and outs of them all is in itself a pleasure. Discovering the power and bounds of each one is a study and a joy which could last a lifetime. Humans at least shall never lack for modes of expression. It was a wonderful thing when we were given language. I think it was only a slightly less wonderful thing when we learned to write and began the permutation and proliferation of written species which led us to the present population of form and style.