Entry 14 | A Literacy Conspiracy?

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Lately, I’ve been toying with a theory: what if the reason so much writing feels flat, rushed, or lazy is because there’s a grand plot to ruin our taste for good literature? (Just kidding… sort of.) But seriously, sometimes I read a book or article and wonder—did no one proof this? Or worse, is this the new standard?

Three big issues stand out to me: First, so many books today feel under-edited, almost like they were rushed to market. Second, even in schools, writing instruction often prioritizes speed and passing tests over teaching students how to write with depth and clarity. Third, social media has trained us to skim, which means we lose patience for language that asks us to slow down and think. Put all that together, and it starts to feel like the art of good writing is quietly slipping through the cracks—on purpose.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to fall victim to the “plot!” Here are two simple ways I fight back:

1. Read intentionally. I mix classic works with contemporary books so I’m constantly refreshing my sense of what excellent writing looks and sounds like.

2. Practice mindful writing. Before I hit “publish” on anything—yes, even a text—I take one more read to see if I’ve used the clearest, strongest words I can.

   
   

These small habits keep my literary palate sharp and remind me that good writing isn’t gone, it just needs an audience that demands it.

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Discussion: Do you think the quality of writing has slipped over the years or have our tastes simply changed? I'd love to hear how you keep your reading and writing standards high!