I once ran into a tree on Halloween. Concussions R U. My black cat mask fell over my eyes as I was cat-Ching up with fellow revilers. Writing reminds me of Lewis Carrol’s “Youhave to run twice as fast just to stay in one place.”
One of my Orwell equivalent rules ( and not always followed) is 'Never use a Latin derived word, if you can find an Saxon one instead. Certainly good for poetry, but the Latinate is good for economy.
I had a moment of deja vu, because I think I swear I remember the somnochip. At any rate, I love this exercise, and have practiced it many times. Happy you brought R.Q. into the spotlight, and now I'm thinking I shall have a gander at 99 Ways To Tell A Story.
Terry, This post not only made me laugh, it also made me think--always a good thing. And it reminded of this line I love to repeat: "If there are 12 rules, the 13th rule is: Break All the Rules. But you gotta know the rules to break them." Love your post! xo ~Mary
The word "tropes" seems to be coming up a lot lately whenever I read writing jobs. I hadn't even heard of it. I think you explained it better than what I had been able to find.
Your running into the wall just reminded me of two times I did something similar, except I was awake. I'll add it to my list to write about it.
We read EXERCISES IN STYLE by Queneau in undergrad and our professor had us write three exercises with the same rhetorical patterns. One of my first podcast episodes, I interviewed one of my classmates from that class and we discussed their efforts at the exercise. The professor failed them because they misunderstood the assignment, but the stories were published in a journal, so they got the last laugh.
Great post here. I especially enjoyed the rhyming couplets.
What did he mean by 'same rhetorical patterns'? I've always said that success (such as having your rejected work published in a journal) is the sweetest form of revenge!
Interesting post, Terry, and I think I will try re-writing some old posts in a different style. I’m especially interested in passive voice as I try to avoid it at all costs.
Great tips, thanks!
I once ran into a tree on Halloween. Concussions R U. My black cat mask fell over my eyes as I was cat-Ching up with fellow revilers. Writing reminds me of Lewis Carrol’s “Youhave to run twice as fast just to stay in one place.”
Fun read Terry and excited to read the books you recommended.
hope you enjoy them!
I read the first part of the Raymond Queneau book and laughed through it. It's very funny. I am going to share it with my father as he may enjoy it.
It's great, isn't it!
Yes, fantastic. Thanks for introducing us to it.
😁
I am sure I will. I will report back. I finally had a moment to catch up on my Substack reading and I always learn something new! Thank you.
Loved this post Terry. So much to think about. I've always subscribed to "Passive bad." Another eye-opener. Thank you!
Thanks, Jim. "Passive bad". I hadn't heard that expression before, but it definitely fits! 😁
Ahh yes, experimental writing. Just my cup of tea! Loved it, Terry!
Thanks Jo
One of my Orwell equivalent rules ( and not always followed) is 'Never use a Latin derived word, if you can find an Saxon one instead. Certainly good for poetry, but the Latinate is good for economy.
I had a moment of deja vu, because I think I swear I remember the somnochip. At any rate, I love this exercise, and have practiced it many times. Happy you brought R.Q. into the spotlight, and now I'm thinking I shall have a gander at 99 Ways To Tell A Story.
Terry, This post not only made me laugh, it also made me think--always a good thing. And it reminded of this line I love to repeat: "If there are 12 rules, the 13th rule is: Break All the Rules. But you gotta know the rules to break them." Love your post! xo ~Mary
Exactly, Mary. I'd forgotten that that rule existed, but it's certainly something I try to live by! Thanks for your lovely comment.
I came across you in Substack Office Hours and I'm so glad I did! I actually write and draw Cartoons, so am off to get 99 ways book right now.
Thank you and looking forward to more of your fabulous words!
Thanks, Medha. Hope you enjoy the book. I really do. Do let me know!
Have just downloaded it. I only started cartooning very recently so I'm looking forward to diving in.
And sure! Will do.
Great post. I enjoyed the rhyming couplet.
The word "tropes" seems to be coming up a lot lately whenever I read writing jobs. I hadn't even heard of it. I think you explained it better than what I had been able to find.
Your running into the wall just reminded me of two times I did something similar, except I was awake. I'll add it to my list to write about it.
Thanks, Matt. Actually, I wasn't entirely happy with it, so I've updated the footnote to make it clearer.
Likewise, your photography post reminded me of something I should like to write about.
We read EXERCISES IN STYLE by Queneau in undergrad and our professor had us write three exercises with the same rhetorical patterns. One of my first podcast episodes, I interviewed one of my classmates from that class and we discussed their efforts at the exercise. The professor failed them because they misunderstood the assignment, but the stories were published in a journal, so they got the last laugh.
Great post here. I especially enjoyed the rhyming couplets.
What did he mean by 'same rhetorical patterns'? I've always said that success (such as having your rejected work published in a journal) is the sweetest form of revenge!
Thanks re rhyming couplets!
Interesting post, Terry, and I think I will try re-writing some old posts in a different style. I’m especially interested in passive voice as I try to avoid it at all costs.
Loved the rhyming couplet version of your story!
Thanks, Holly. I hope you find it an interesting exercise.