I find myself thinking a lot about styles of writing.  I have come across some wonderful artists with the written word in my life.  I have come to a realization in my mind there there are two types of really good writers.  There are those who can communicate a concept well and there are those who can communicate a concept well - but with passion and emotion.  I prefer the later.

I am fond of saying that friend Locke can remove a kidney with the written word - and you don’t know it is gone, but you are saying thank you.  Locke communicates, but when he makes an effort, he does it with humour, sharp wit and passion.  He writes. 

Go and have a look at what Nils wrote.  There is passion and emotion and a clear communication of a concept.  I am shivering just reading it and remembering my time in the N. Country of NYS where the cold was similar. Consider this phrase that Nils has used:

The cold of a Saskatchewan winter doesn’t rip and tear at you. It’s more subtle, more insidious: it slips under the crack at the bottom of the door; slinks into rooms through light switch covers, microscopic gaps around window frames, and tiny nail holes; and smuggles itself in by clinging to clothing and fur. It creeps in – literally and figuratively - on little cat feet and it scorns the futile efforts of furnace and fire to hold it at bay.

Beautiful. 

Now go and have a look at what Cool Girl writes.  Funny, honest, emotional and perfectly communicated.  Once again, a writer.

Now go and read the commentary of Rukavina.  Concepts almost perfectly communicated in clear and concise words - but without passion and emotion.  Almost without soul.  Not a writer, but a gifted communicator.

I find the contrast interesting.  I wonder if the writing style I perceive, in any way, reflects the personality of the writer.