Last week saw something of a milestone in this series: I wrote my 25th version of the simple story I started with. If you’re new here, the basic idea was to take a story and rewrite it in a variety of styles. You can read the full story and background here:
To catch up on all the styles attempted so far, please consult the index.
I’ve compiled a list of a further 105 styles to try, though I doubt whether some of them would be possible as far as the basic story is concerned. I’ll soon find out I think!
For now though, I’m taking a short break from this series while I catch up with some other writing commitments. However, I’d love to hear from you, in the comments, whether you have any particular favourites, and if so what they are, and why.
The course I was down to run next weekend has been rescheduled because of too few sign-ups. It will now take place on the 4th and 11th June 2024, from 18:00 to 20:30 British time. The good news is that if you live on the east coast of the USA or even the west coast, attending is eminently doable.
More immediately, though, I’d like to thank Rebecca Holden who writes
for giving the course a plug, and Dr Kathleen Waller of newsletter and Jody Sperling of the newsletter for interviewing me about it. Kathleen’s podcast centres on the Oulipo and Jody’s podcast covers other things too, like my approach to teaching. Both conversations are interesting and chortleworthy to listen to, so do give them a whirl.
Congratulations, Terry, I didn't realise it had been so many. A real eye-opener for me on the Oulipo and always a joy and a lot of fun to read. Favourites, hmmm. Let's see.
I found the punctuation-only one truly hilarious for its obscurity (https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/experiments-in-style-punctuation), the one Rebecca mentions was also great, but I'm also going to give a nod to the N+7 method (https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/experiments-in-style-the-n-7-method).
Wow, 25 already? Such an impressive milestone, Terry! And that you've got a further 105 on the to-do list is absolutely AWESOME.
You've asked me what my favourite 'Experiment in Style' has been. I've enjoyed reading them all, and learned a great deal along the way, but my favourite is this one: https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/experiments-in-style-overblown-writing
It's an excellent example of a writer using impressive language simply for the sake of it... but it rather kicked itself in the teeth at the same time! (I'm allowed to say that because the style is not a reflection on you as a writer, but an intentional 'overdone-on-purpose' thing!) 🤣
I'm disappointed for us both that your OuLiPo course isn't going ahead next weekend, but I've made a diary note for next year's dates (and another to remind me to go ahead and book it!). 🙌 In the meantime I'll be practising.