How to Write Better: Pablo de Santis Shares Tips, Rules, and Secrets of the Trade
Pablo de Santis offers essential tips and rules for aspiring writers based on his experience and beliefs about storytelling.
Renowned Argentine writer Pablo de Santis shares four essential superstitions he follows when writing. The first superstition is to avoid introducing new characters or conflicts after the midpoint of a story or novel, instead focusing on developing existing elements to create depth. His second rule emphasizes the importance of using natural and everyday language, steering clear of overly complex or artificial expressions. The third superstition stresses the necessity of precision in writing, avoiding ambiguity to enhance clarity. Lastly, De Santis believes that a writer should always consider the reader's memory, as storytelling is about creating lasting impressions and memories.
These principles are encapsulated in his latest book, "Contar un secreto. Ideas y consignas para empezar a escribir," which serves as a guide for budding writers. In this manual, De Santis unveils the secrets and methods behind crafting engaging narratives from scratch. He advocates for a blend of constant practice and artisan-like craftsmanship, indicating that writing is both a skill and an art form that can be honed with dedication and insight into the craft.
De Santis's insights resonate not only within the context of Argentine literature but also reflect broader themes in the writing community, where the balance between creativity and technique is often debated. His work not only seeks to instruct but also inspires writers to connect with their audience on a deeper level, ultimately pushing for a richer narrative experience that lingers in the minds of readers long after the story concludes.