Inquiry Question

Writing a story, be it fact or fiction, can be a somewhat overwhelming consideration for the average person. Even seasoned writers have difficulty with certain aspects of the writing process. There are certain formal conventions that we're supposed to follow so the material is familiar enough to make it easy to read; the reader should not get lost in figuring out punctuation or quoted passages. There are times, however, when such formalities aren't really necessary.
Inquiry Question: What does a reader experience when they choose a book or short story that has been written in a manner that is not familiar?
For example, the late Frank McCourt wrote three highly acclaimed memoirs in such a style that illustrates the elimination of formality. This might not seem so unusual except that he was an English teacher. It is reasonable to expect that an English teacher would be a stickler for following the established "rules" of writing.
In Robert W. Miles’ book review, in 2000, of Frank McCourt’s book, ‘Tis: A Memoir, he notes that in 1954 McCourt’s style of writing was deemed as “direct.” McCourt’s instructor encouraged him to “explore his rich past.” It may have taken several years for McCourt to act on this advice; however, his style had not changed once he became an educated adult. His works have been a consistent demonstration of throwing convention to the wind and writing from the heart. McCourt was not attempting to convey pity for having such a rough beginning in life, but rather he set out to provide an example of how one can accomplish a goal, regardless of the lack of ability, or desire, to conform to the orthodox manner of writing to become a blockade.
I was given some great advice once, years ago, about writing (in fact I don't recall who it was). This person said, "write as though you're talking directly to the person." I thought his made perfect sense; after all, isn't that what you're really doing, "talking" to someone. I think McCourt must have had this same idea when he wrote because when you read his books, you feel as though he's speaking to you; telling his story. We don't see punctuation when we listen, we hear inflection and tones that guide our understanding.
I asked my daughter, Angela, and sister, Joanne, (both major book-worms) how they adapted to McCourt's books. They both agreed that at first the style was fairly unfamiliar, but it didn't take long to become comfortable with his style and the story was captivating; like listening to the story and not actually reading it. I too felt this same way when I first started to read Angela's Ashes. I read the first several pages before realized the quotation marks were absent. I wondered if I had missed who was saying what. I went back and read over some of the previous pages, I thumbed through the rest of the book; still no quotations. Okay - so be it. I was already "in to" the story and wasn't going to put it down for lack of formal writing convention.
Have you ever wanted to write your memoir, a short story, or a novel but were too intimidated by no knowing all the "rules"? I say, follow McCourt's lead and just do it! Write it as if no one will ever read it or grade it. Like the familiar saying, dance as if no one is watching.

Works cited

Brooks, Angela. Personal interview. 14 Nov. 2009.

Girardi, Joanne. Personal interview. 21 Nov. 2009.

Miles, Robert W. Frank McCourt’s Second Memoir. (Book Review). Sewanee Review, Summer 2000. Vol. 108, Issue 3. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier.