Writing Lessons & Advice: Elements of Strong Writing
- Katie Johns
- Dec 6
- 3 min read
A pop cultural debate that surfaces around the end of the year is what makes a movie fall into the Christmas category. Many rightfully fit in because they center on characters, images, or buzzwords connected to the holidays. Others hone in on values or themes like tradition, life, love, joy, peace, charity, and sometimes spirituality. More still, some flicks are considered Christmassy simply for having a scene or plot set on Christmas Eve or Day (Looking at you, Die Hard!). It seems no one, definitive way to label Christmas movies exists. On the other hand, elements of strong writing have a more unified consensus, entailing several little things that can add up. A good foundation comes from Hunter College, consisting of six key factors. Here’s what they are and a bit about them “in action”:
Focus- A clear central idea or big picture guides the composition, like a thesis, topic, or theme. Sometimes, a focus can be obvious, like Elf and How The Grinch Stole Christmas zeroing in on their respective main characters. Other times, a focus can be more broad, abstract, or subtle, like a focus of family in the first two Home Alone movies. In any case, all elements of the stories funnel into either a direct or implied stance. Building off that, focus goes hand-in-hand with the later point, unity.
Development- Attractive mental pictures are painted whenever possible. In academic writing, development is often in the research and supporting details. In creative writing, development is in places like showing more than telling and character growth.
Unity- All content connects to the focus point: the central idea/big picture. Whatever cannot fit should be left out, like the other holiday land portals in Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. As intriguing as the doors to Easter, Thanksgiving, or Saint Patrick’s Day are, they would irrelevantly clash in a story that’s already mixing and matching Christmas and Halloween. (But “Long Live the Pumpkin Queen” by Shea Ernshaw explores them with Sally as a central character.)
Coherence- Coherence is just another word for comprehension or understanding. So, in simplest terms, coherent writing is not difficult to follow. There is evidence of some logical order and smooth transitions from A to B to C. The difference in this matter could be seen if Scrooge's encounters with the ghosts deviated from the established order of past, present, and future. The experiences would not be as effective or even fully understood, as either a character or a reader.
Correctness- The content closely adheres to Standard English rules, like complete sentences, correct spelling and punctuation, subject-verb agreement, vocabulary, etc. Any common writing errors should be avoided or addresed to the best of the writer's ability.
Creativity- The content reflects originality--as in, the unique voice, personality, and efforts of the author. Numerous stories about Santa or Santa figures prevail because many try to bring some fresh perspectives about him to the limelight.
Strong writing has firm roots in the quality of a work’s focus, development, unity, coherence, correctness, and creativity. But there are a few more helpful “spices and seasonings” for further cultivation as well:
Strong writing holds our attention. It can be thought-provoking, emotionally-inspiring, or at least believable.
Strong writing is concise, succinct, and to the point.
Strong writing takes work; make writing a regular exercise.
Never underestimate the power of a thorough editing session.
A good writer is someone who writes books that other people enjoy reading. Bad writers think: “I want to write this.” Good writers think: “This is being written.”
Limit/avoid repetition and cliches; utilize active voice.
Read.
“It’s all about the little things,” the cliches and adages say. The littlest things seem to make or break a movie for Christmas consideration. But the littlest things under the right consideration empower the written word! Hope this gives you some new writing goals to strive for!
How do you define strong writing? Or Christmas movies? If you want to discuss those or other topics you want me to cover in the future, you’re welcome to reach out to me in the comments, web chat, or socials!
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