Jamie Russo Profile picture
Mar 30, 2023 15 tweets 5 min read Read on X
Your writing doesn't suck.

Your 4th-grade English class sucked.

Razors for writers... Image
Occam's Razor:

The simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

Opt for the more plausible option when choosing between two plot twists. Image
Russell's Teapot:

The burden of proof lies on the person making the extraordinary claim, not the skeptic.

When creating a story, provide enough detail to make it believable. Image
Hitchen's Razor:

Any claim made without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.

Ensure there's evidence within a narrative to support it. Image
Hickam's Dictum:

Consider all possibilities rather than focusing on one.

Craft complex stories that reflect real-life challenges. Image
Hanlon's Razor:

Don't assume someone is wrong when they could be making a mistake.

If a character makes a bad decision, explore their ignorance. Image
Newton's Flaming Laser Sword:

Any theory that cannot be confirmed with evidence should be discarded.

Avoid building a story around a concept that cannot be verified. Image
Popper's Razor:

We should be critical of any theory that cannot be tested.

Base your central conflict on the premise that can be explored through the story's events. Image
Darwin's Razor:

When multiple explanations are available, the one that relies on fewer assumptions is more likely to be correct.

If choosing between rival character motivations, select the one with fewer assumptions. Image
The Principle of Charity:

Interpret other people's statements in the most rational way possible.

Portray characters' arguments as well-intentioned, even if flawed. Image
The Principle of Plenitude:

Everything that can exist does exist.

Create imaginative worlds that explore numerous possibilities and perspectives. Image
The Perfect Solution Fallacy:

This principle warns against rejecting a good solution because it is not perfect.

Characters make imperfect yet practical decisions, reflecting real life. Image
The Razor of Consistency:

We should strive to apply our principles and beliefs consistently.

Ensure your characters' actions align with their established values. Image
Razors for writers:

• Newton's Flaming Laser Sword
• Perfect Solution Fallacy
• Principle of Plenitude
• Razor of Consistency
• Principle of Charity
• Hickam's Dictum
• Russell's Teapot
• Hitchen's Razor
• Hanlon's Razor
• Popper's Razor
• Occam's Razor
Thank you for reading.

Follow me @jamierusso for more.

If you like it, share it.

• • •

Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh
 

Keep Current with Jamie Russo

Jamie Russo Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

PDF

Twitter may remove this content at anytime! Save it as PDF for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video
  1. Follow @ThreadReaderApp to mention us!

  2. From a Twitter thread mention us with a keyword "unroll"
@threadreaderapp unroll

Practice here first or read more on our help page!

More from @jamierusso

May 11, 2023
Your writing doesn’t suck.

Your 4th grade English class sucked.

A proper potpourri of literary lessons...
Chekhov's Gun

Every element in a story should serve a purpose—but insignificant details create suspense when they're crucial later. Image
MacGuffin

An object that drives the plot, even though its specific nature may be unimportant or irrelevant. Image
Read 12 tweets
May 2, 2023
In 3 months, I built a 1-person ghostwriting agency to $10k MRR.

The question I get asked most often is: "How did you land your first client?"

Sales 101...
Step 1: Target Audience

Understanding your target audience's needs, pain points, and preferences is the first step to success.

Use market research, customer feedback, and buyer personas to tailor your sales and marketing efforts for maximum impact. Image
Step 2: Lead scoring

Focus on generating high-quality leads that are more likely to convert.

Use lead scoring and nurture your leads with valuable content to increase the chances of conversion. Image
Read 11 tweets
Mar 25, 2023
How to learn 10x faster.

11 systems to remember anything:
1. Method of loci:

Associate information with specific locations in an imaginary place.

• Imagine a palace
• List features
• Associate

The method of loci is one of the most powerful memory techniques.
2. Multi-sensory:

Best for people who learn through hands-on experiences.

• Engage multiple senses while learning
• Eg. podcasts + videos
• Eg. hands-on classes

Engaging your senses reinforces memory.
Read 14 tweets
Mar 23, 2023
Your writing doesn't suck.

Your high school English class sucked.

Mental models 101:
The OODA Loop:

OODA is a virtuous cycle to improve your writing.

• Observe your work
• Orient your feedback
• Decide on adjustments
• Act by implementing changes

Use the OODA Loop to become a better writer. Image
The Hedgehog Concept:

Identify the intersection of skills, passion, and value creation.

• Determine your unique writing niche
• Consider the value you bring
• Focus on the intersection

Apply the Hedgehog Concept to find personal fulfillment and create meaning for readers. Image
Read 14 tweets
Mar 21, 2023
Your writing doesn't suck.

Your 5th-grade English class sucked.

Storytelling 101:
1. The Snowflake Method:

A writer begins with a deep, simple theme and then, over time, develops and adds complexity.

• Idea
• Sentence
• Paragraphs
• 2-pg summary
2. Story Circle:

8-steps of character development:

• You - establish a protagonist
• Need - something isn't right
• Go - crossing the threshold
• Search - the road of trials
• Find - meeting goodness
• Take - paying the price
• Return - bring it home
• Change - mastery
Read 13 tweets
Feb 6, 2023
Two years ago, I was working at Amazon.

For six months, all I did was write.

The secret to Amazon's $1 trillion success:
In 2004, Jeff Bezos banned PowerPoint.

He replaced slide decks with narratives.

🧵 Here's why...
The 'working backward' philosophy:

Everything starts with the customer.

• start with a customer problem
• work back to a solution

Working backward creates customer-centric solutions.
Read 13 tweets

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3/month or $30/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Don't want to be a Premium member but still want to support us?

Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal

Or Donate anonymously using crypto!

Ethereum

0xfe58350B80634f60Fa6Dc149a72b4DFbc17D341E copy

Bitcoin

3ATGMxNzCUFzxpMCHL5sWSt4DVtS8UqXpi copy

Thank you for your support!

Follow Us!

:(