Definitions and Good Writing

Thinking back to my last post about anecdotes and colorful details, I think what I really mean is that memorable, episodic writing works hard to define big ideas like "Southern gentleman" and "statesman" and "folksy." It redefines them usually--makes them closer to the truth.

The Great Gatsby defines the 1920s lost playboy. So much that we just can't stop reading about it and remembering what one of those looks, sounds, and acts like.

That's what I'm trying to keep in mind as I go along.