A lot of words to describe nothing

@scheng1 (24650)
Singapore
December 17, 2015 7:24am CST
I think it is a great skill if you can use a lot of words to describe nothing. When I read science fiction books written by a famous Chinese writer, I always am frustrated by his ability to use a lot of words to describe nothing. When he wants to describe an extraordinary event, he will say: “I have never experienced such horror in my life.” “no words can tell you all the horrors.” “You will not believe that such a thing can happen.” He can go on for a few pages before he tells you what exactly has happened. I think that is the reason that he is very successful in writing science fiction. He is good in building suspense, and uses a lot of empty words to fill up the pages.
4 people like this
3 responses
• Preston, England
18 Dec 15
H P Lovecraft was very good at describing things as indescribable over several pages in his horror stories
2 people like this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
18 Dec 15
haha, I think all these suspense writers must be earning big bucks just for writing about nothing. I bet their books are thick, and sell very well. If you have such talents, I think you are flying to the islands in the tropical region now.
1 person likes this
• Preston, England
18 Dec 15
@scheng1 sounds a lovely idea - wish my writings earned enough to let me do that
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
17 Dec 15
The art of a great writer is to use a lot of words to say nothing, it is something George Bernard Shaw talked much about
2 people like this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
18 Dec 15
I think the same explanation for politicians too. We hardly see any politician who is short and sweet, and explain things clearly. They are always full of words, and they use long words to describe nothing. Perhaps that is the reason they get elected!
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
18 Dec 15
@scheng1 That is very true - you will never find a politician who says "I don't know the answer to that" instead the waffle on about nothing al all.
@youless (112091)
• Guangzhou, China
17 Dec 15
I am very curious to know who is this writer. As not many Chinese writers are good at writing science fiction books. By the way, can you read Chinese?
2 people like this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
18 Dec 15
You know of him. He wrote both sword fighting books as well as science fiction. His pen name is ?? If you do not know him, then I wonder what you have been reading!