Setting A Style That Works

“No writer need feel sorry for himself if he writes and enjoys it, even if he doesn't get paid.” – Irwin Shaw

Born in New York City on this date in 1913, Shaw grew up in Brooklyn where he studied writing at Brooklyn College, wrote his first successful stage play at age 21, and went on to become one of America’s most popular writers.  Over his long successful career he wrote 10 novels, 10 works for the stage, 15 screenplays, and a dozen short story collections.  He was twice honored with the prestigious O. Henry Award for his short story writing.  He also did a number of nonfiction works and had several of his stories made into successful movies, led by The Young Lions and Rich Man, Poor Man.

The Young Lions, which starred Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift, was based on Shaw’s own experiences serving as an Army Warrant Officer in Europe during WWII.    Blacklisted after standing up to the infamous McCarthy Commission in the mid-1950s, he moved to Europe and lived there for 25 years.  He was in Davos, Switzerland at the time of his death in 1984. 

“The last paragraph, in which you tell what the story is about, is almost always best left out,” Shaw once said.  “A good editor understands what you're talking and writing about and doesn't meddle too much.”

“I haven't stuck to any formula. Most great writers stick to the same style, but I wanted to be more various in what I did.”

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