The Rhythm of Sentences

Week of January 20, 2013—Syntax Needn’t Be Taxing

Monday, January 21— The Rhythm of Sentences

Below are some of my notes from Joyce Sweeney about syntax and the rhythm it

creates . . .

§  Syntax can slow pace, quicken pace, add emotion, and make emphasis

§  The longer the sentence, the sleepier the reader.

§  Syntax can wake up readers, and make them pay attention.

§  Syntax can help create intentional pauses.

§  Syntax can clue the reader into what is important.

§  Syntax—the rhythm of sentences—is very important to younger readers, though they may not even notice it. (They will feel it.)

§  Picture book writers must be the strongest at syntax.

As we explore syntax this week and discover some ways to impact the rhythm of our writing with syntax, I’m going to focus on one picture book—The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce. The story inspired the Academy Award winning short of the same name, and is filled with syntax created rhythm. If you can get your hands on the book (or an electronic version of the book), do so. You’ll be glad you did!