#258: Shocking Realisation Hook, POP Writing & the Paradox of Originality

3 Ideas in 2 Minutes on Original Writing

I. Shocking Realisation Hook

Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand. Paul Ehrenfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933. Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics.

—David L. Goodstein, States of Matter

With these legendary first lines, Goodstein managed to make even a physics textbook sound like a thrilling page turner.

First lines are vital. They grab the readers’ attention (or not), set the tone and introduce the topic. There are many ways to achieve this. Goodstein’s opening is an example of the Shocking Realisation Hook.

It’s when the first lines deliver a sudden, jarring piece of information in a calm manner. This creates a contrast between a dark subject and a casual delivery. As a bonus, you leave enough to the imagination of your readers so they’re intrigued to read on.

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II. POP Writing

POP Writing is a business writing technique proposed by writer David Perrell. David claims:

You can evaluate every piece of writing with three variables: personal, observational, and playful.

The pillars of my POP Writing methodology contrast traditional business writing education. In the office, people think they should use a heap of buzzwords and machine-gun fire of statistics, and dress it all up in an academic tone to make them “sound smart.” But these tricks are hollow. They won’t lead to readers who want to engage with your ideas or share them with friends.

His three “Pillars of POP Writing” are:

Personal: Tell stories. Speak to your emotions. (Like a diary.)

Observational: Fresh look at the world. Bring out the glasses. (Just like Darwin’s notes.)

Playful: Fun and enjoyable. Bring out the kid. (Like a dad joke.)

I do believe Perrell is missing something here, though. Namely, Jerry Seinfeld’s “ball-busting son of a bitch”-editor who reigns in your inner child.

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III. Paradox of Originality

Originality in writing is everything. And according to British author C.S. Lewis, it’s best achieved by serendipitously saying what others have said before. I call it the Paradox of Originality.

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.

—C.S. Lewis

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Have a great week,

Chris
themindcollection.com