Establish Your Voice Early

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The initial tone and voice established by a writer is crucial for engaging readers. Utilizing geographical and social cues in the early passages helps in signaling the writer's perspective and style. Just as a film uses establishing shots to set the scene, writers can create a sense of place and character through their word choices. Simple adjustments in language, like substituting 'a man' with 'a dude' or 'a chap,' can significantly alter the perceived voice and cultural identity of the narrative. Consistency in this voice is essential until the reader develops a clearer understanding of the writer's unique style.

What do Katy Perry, Charles Dickens, and the Bible all have in common? They’re responsible for some of the most famous lines in history. And in this episode, you’ll find out why.

Mark, an author and mad scientist of language, reveals the secret sauce to memorable writing: rhetorical devices. Chiasmus. Anaphora. Antithesis. Synecdoche.

Writing today (i.e. texting and Tweeting) is concise and hyper-minimal — which is fine, if you’re writing the instruction manual for a new dishwasher. But the most memorable works of writing lean into the beauty of words. It’s not about using overly purple prose. It’s about using rhetorical formulas to create unforgettable lines, to shape ideas that stick in your reader’s brain.

If you want to write something that sticks in your reader’s brain — a book, a poem, a speech — then this episode is for you.

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