John Gardner believed that an author's insensitivity or carelessness could lead to a story lacking clarity and impact, which significantly undermines its quality. When an author's words become muddled, the narrative suffers greatly, creating a barrier that prevents readers from fully engaging with the text. This highlights the importance of precision and authenticity in storytelling.

Moreover, Gardner emphasized that the worst offense is dishonesty in writing. If an author writes about subjects they do not genuinely care for or believe in, the integrity of the narrative is compromised. This insincerity prevents readers from forming a connection to the work, ultimately resulting in a story that feels hollow and unworthy of attention.