Exploring Writing Style and Creative Process

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Effective writing often combines the influence of existing works, such as taking inspiration from authors like Plutarch, and infusing them with original dramatic and poetic elements. Writers frequently set daily word counts to structure their output, but may not always meet these goals. The concept of 'Sturm-us' captures the essence of last-minute bursts of productivity, highlighting a common experience of working intensely before deadlines after periods of inactivity. The writing process can vary greatly, sometimes resulting in completed works shortly before publication. Success in writing often hinges on thorough preparation, including mental organization and research, followed by a rapid writing phase that allows for a natural flow of ideas. This flow is essential for engaging the reader and ensuring an immersive experience, as it enables the writer to convey emotions and perspectives effectively, drawing the reader into the narrative without interruption.

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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