You must find some way to elevate your act of writing into…
“You must find some way to elevate your act of writing into an entertainment. Usually this means giving the reader an enjoyable surprise. Any number of devices will do the job… These seeming amusements in fact become your 'style.' When we say we like the style of certain writers, what we mean is that we like their personality as they express it on paper.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writers should make their work entertaining, using devices that surprise readers and reveal the writer’s personality as style.
In simple terms: Make writing entertaining and personal.
Use surprise to develop a personal style.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- blogging
- teaching
- marketing copy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance surprise with clarity?
- What devices reflect your authentic voice?
Over‑emphasis on surprise can distract from substance.