Writing Tip of the Week
A Pair of Docs Walk Into A Bar…
We are surrounded by literary paradox. We find them everywhere. Sometimes we write or say them without realizing it. A paradox is a useful literary device. The writer can write something that on the surface appears ridiculous or contradictory, yet something carrying an underlying truth. Here are a few that you may at some time want to incorporate into your own literary efforts.
“If I could drop dead right now, I’d be the happiest man alive.” Samuel Goldwyn
“By the time a writer discovers he has no talent for literature, he is too successful to give it up. “George S. Kaufman
“All my best thoughts were stolen by the ancients.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“All propaganda is lies – even when it is telling the truth.” George Orwell
“Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” George Burns
“I liked myself better when I wasn’t me.” Carol Burnett
“You must understand that this is not a woman’s dress I’m wearing. It’s a man’s dress.” David Bowie
“Be modest! It is the kind of pride least likely to offend.” Jules Renard
“I wasn’t really naked. I simply didn’t have any clothes on.” Josephine Baker
“I can take any amount of criticism, so long as it is unqualified praise.” Noel Coward
“The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.” Church bulletin
“I’m the Hiroshima of love.” Sylvester Stallone
“To my daughter Leonora without whose never-failing sympathy and encouragement this book would have been finished in half the time.” P.G. Wodehouse
“I’m not a snob. Ask anybody. Well, anybody who matters.” Simon Lebon
“Parting is such sweet sorrow.” Shakespeare
“If you want to be thought a liar, always tell the truth.” Logan Pearsall Smith
“Thou shall not carry moderation unto excess.” Arthur Koestler
“Always live within your income, even if you have to borrow money to do so.” Josh Billings
“Never speak ill of yourself! You can count on your friends for that.” Talleyrand
“Always be sincere, even if you don’t mean it.” Harry S. Truman
“Happy are the parents that have no children.” Sir Boyle Roche
From the infamous author Anonymous:
“Never use a long word when a diminutive one will suffice.”
“Eschew obfuscation.”
“Avoid awkward or affected alliteration.”
If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times: Resist hyperbole.”
“Last, but not least, avoid clichés like the plague.”
And in ending this bit of mischief we return to Mr. Goldwyn who said, “Gentlemen, include me out.”
For now, I’m outta’ here.
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Quote of the Week: “Many learned persons have read themselves stupid.” Arthur Schopenhauer
Recommended Reading: Renatle, Mosaic of Life by Renate Mousseux
Shameless Self Promotion
My new Western novel, Slott Canyon? is now available in ebook and paperback.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1074053044/ref=tmm_pap_new_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=new&qid=1562349645&sr=1-1
Y Gwir yn erbyn y byd
A Four Knights Press Production
? Dan Baldwin 2019
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