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.
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.
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.
Loved this post Terry. So much to think about. I've always subscribed to "Passive bad." Another eye-opener. Thank you!
Ahh yes, experimental writing. Just my cup of tea! Loved it, Terry!
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
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!
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.
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.
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!