Craft

The difference between good writing and bad writing can be subjective, but let’s make a stab at defining them.

Good fiction has the power to transport readers to another world, evoke deep emotions, and leave a lasting impact. It combines a range of elements that work together to create a compelling and immersive experience. In essence, good fiction is a blend of well-crafted characters, engaging plots, rich settings, and evocative writing that all come together to create a powerful and memorable experience. It’s not just about telling a story but about immersing readers in a world, evoking deep emotions, and leaving them with something meaningful to ponder.

What about non-fiction or creative non-fiction?

Good writing is clear, engaging, well-organized, and emotionally resonant, while bad writing is confusing, boring, disorganized, and lacks precision. The key to good writing often lies in the ability to communicate ideas effectively while maintaining the reader’s interest and making a lasting impact.

Great writing brings something new to the table, whether it’s an unconventional narrative style, a fresh take on a familiar trope, or a story that challenges readers’ assumptions. While some genres have well-established conventions, good writing doesn’t feel formulaic or predictable. It finds ways to surprise readers, either through innovative storytelling techniques or unexpected developments.

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Betty Rises Again And Again

Liz Dubelman

Betty sat on the edge of the park bench, her thoughts swirling like a tornado. How had she ended up in this position? Alone, with no money, and two failed money-making ventures. All for a couple of months of sex and romance with a man half her age. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She needed to figure out a plan, a way to get back on her feet. She couldn't depend on anyone else, especially not the man who had turned her life upside down.

She missed the companionship, the thrill of being with someone new and exciting. But she knew it was all a facade, a temporary escape from her reality. And now she was left with the harsh consequences.

Betty wondered if Tony missed her. It was a fleeting thought, quickly dismissed. Of course not. He may have missed the lavish trips or the expensive gifts, but she knew he didn't miss her. He hadn't put up a fight when she left. He just said, "It's been real." Which was the furthest thing from the truth. It was all a transaction, a business arrangement. Betty felt foolish for falling for it, for falling for his pretty face and charming words.

She took out her list, with the first two items on her list of potential career paths crossed off. "Professional dog walker and house sitter? More like professional poop picker-upper and furniture destroyer," she muttered to herself.

She scanned the remaining options, wondering what other hare-brained schemes she had come up with in a moment of desperation. Her eyes fixed on “Become a senior YouTube sensation." Betty had to laugh at the thought of her elderly self trying to keep up with the latest internet trends.

But as she scrolled through videos of seniors doing outrageous challenges and sharing their life stories, Betty couldn't deny that there was something appealing about this idea. Maybe she could make a name for herself by doing wacky pranks or telling embarrassing stories from her past.

With newfound determination, she scribbled down ideas for her own channel and potential collaborations with other YouTubers. Who knew, maybe she could be the next viral star, making people laugh and breaking stereotypes about age along the way.

Feeling giddy with excitement, Betty hopped off the park bench and strutted back home, ready to take on this new adventure. She couldn't wait to see where this path would lead her and was grateful for the chance to start over again (and potentially make some cash while doing it).

As she unlocked the door to her small apartment, Betty's mind was buzzing with ideas for her YouTube channel. She set up her camera on a stack of books, adjusting the angle and testing the lighting. Taking a deep breath, she hit the record button and launched into her first video.

"Hello, beautiful people of the internet! It's your favorite senior sensation, Betty, here to bring some fun and laughter into your lives," she exclaimed with a bright smile.

When she finally uploaded her first video, she felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. Would anyone even watch it? Did she come off as too silly or too serious? She couldn't help but second-guess herself as she waited for the views to start rolling in.

But when she woke up the next morning, she was shocked to see that her video had already gained hundreds of views and dozens of comments. People were not only watching, but they were also leaving positive messages about how inspiring and funny Betty was.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she read each comment, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. For the first time in a long time, Betty felt like she belonged somewhere - in this online community of creators and viewers who accepted her for who she was.

Encouraged by the response to her first video, Betty continued to upload new content every week. She shared stories from her past, did silly challenges with other YouTubers, and even started tackling hot topics like ageism and self-love.

As her channel grew in popularity, so did her confidence. She no longer felt like a failure or a lonely old woman. Instead, Betty saw herself as someone with a purpose - to spread joy and positivity through her videos and make people laugh along the way.

Betty's newfound success also brought unexpected opportunities. Brands reached out to collaborate with her on sponsored videos, offering financial compensation for promoting their products to her audience. Betty took everything without hesitation, realizing that this was just another way to support herself financially while doing something she loved.

One day, while filming a collaboration video at a local park, a man came up to her. She thought he was going to say nice things about her video. Instead, he said, “You’ve been served.” Tony was suing her for slander.

Betty's heart sank as she read the legal documents in her trembling hands. How could Tony do this to her? She had only shared her own experiences and never once mentioned his name in her videos. But she knew that the legal battle ahead would be draining - emotionally, mentally, and financially.

As the news of the lawsuit spread, Betty's loyal followers rallied behind her, flooding her with messages of support and encouragement. They started a hashtag campaign, #StandWithBetty, and organized a fundraiser to help cover her legal fees.

Despite the overwhelming show of solidarity, Betty couldn't shake off the fear and anxiety that gripped her. She had worked so hard to rebuild her life and reputation through her YouTube channel, and now it all seemed at risk of crumbling down because of one man's vindictiveness.

But as she sat in front of her camera, preparing to address her audience about the lawsuit, she decided this wasn’t worth it. She told her audience, “As you know, I have a lawsuit hanging over me. Frankly, I can’t take the stress. I’m off to a new adventure.” She unfolded the list and read straight to camera. “From now on I will be… selling homemade pickles at the local farmers market.”