Books Quote by William Safire
“The most successful column is one that causes the reader to throw down the paper in a peak of fit.”
About This Quote
Source Column: The New York Times, 1978
A compelling column makes readers so engaged they want to discard the paper in excitement.
In simple terms: Great writing grabs readers completely.
Key Takeaway
Write to captivate and provoke strong reactions.
Themes
journalism
engagement
impact
Mood
enthusiastic
provocative
Type
persuasive
inspirational
When to use this quote
- op‑eds
- magazine features
- blog posts
Key Concepts
rhetoric
emotional appeal
reader response
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a piece unforgettable?
- How to balance excitement with substance?
A Different Perspective
Over‑dramatization can alienate some audiences.
