171 Years of Writing Advice in 90 Minutes | How I Write
Jan 10, 2025
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Dive into a treasure trove of writing wisdom, where expert insights illuminate the diverse styles that make stories shine. Uncover the nuances of emotional depth and the transformative journey from rough drafts to polished gems. Explore the art of effective storytelling while balancing impactful openings and conclusions. Get inspired by the revival of email communication, turning it into a cherished tool. Discover the iterative process of refinement and the power of engaging narratives that resonate deeply, combining creativity with simple, clear communication.
Emphasizing individuality in writing allows authors to explore their unique voices, breaking free from restrictive educational norms.
Crafting scenes through sensory details enhances emotional depth and authenticity, particularly when portraying childlike perspectives.
Balancing personal exploration with reader engagement during revisions is crucial for delivering impactful storytelling that resonates emotionally.
Deep dives
Embracing Writing Diversity
Successful writing encompasses a wide array of styles and voices, demonstrating that there is no single 'correct' way to write. Rather than adhering to rigid rules taught in educational settings, writers are encouraged to embrace their individuality and find their unique voice. The key takeaway is that while the market is open to various styles, the standard of excellence remains paramount. Writers must hone their craft to ensure they resonate with readers effectively.
Perspective and Detail in Scene Writing
When crafting a scene, especially through the eyes of a child, the focus should be on the sensory details that characterize their experience. For example, instead of mentioning generic cultural markers, writers should delve into what the protagonist truly observes and feels, allowing them to guide the narrative. This technique enhances the emotional depth of the story and makes it authentic. Layering emotional subtext is also crucial, as it provides readers with deeper insights into the characters’ hidden emotions.
The Importance of Revision
Writing begins as a personal exploration, where the first draft often caters to the writer's instincts and whims. However, it's essential to shift perspective during the revision phase, asking how the work engages the reader. This involves eliminating redundant elements, clichés, and anything that doesn't contribute meaningfully to the narrative. The process of refining the text is critical to ensuring that what remains is engaging and serves the story’s purpose.
Rhetorical Devices for Impact
Rhetorical elements, such as diacopy and chiasmus, play a significant role in enhancing the memorability and impact of writing. These devices create resonant lines that resonate with readers’ emotions and create lasting impressions. Famous examples, including memorable phrases from historical speeches, illustrate how structured language can effectively captivate audiences. Their use serves to invoke strong emotions and ensure that the message is clear and compelling.
Navigating Modern Distraction Culture
In today’s fast-paced society, distraction culture poses challenges for both creators and consumers. Writers are advised against dumbing down content to chase fleeting trends, as this approach often lacks depth and fails to cultivate long-term engagement with readers. Instead of conforming to rapid consumption patterns, writers should strive for meaningful content, staying true to their values and artistic integrity. Authenticity in writing fosters deeper connections with readers who crave substance over transient entertainment.
Storytelling and Emotional Stakes
The essence of effective storytelling is anchored in creating emotional stakes that resonate with audiences. Every story needs a clear emotional arc that the reader can root for or fear, establishing a connection to the characters' journeys. This connection often arises from relatable experience rather than extreme or sensational events. Building a solid foundation of emotional stakes deepens the impact of the narrative, ensuring that the audience remains engaged throughout the story.
In this episode, I share my very favorite clips from world-class experts I interviewed last year. Their combined 171 years of writing experience is tightly packed into this 90-minute video. Enjoy!
I also made a website that helps you learn from the best writing of all-time: https://writingexamples.com/
Hey! I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible.
