Writing Examples

Hey writers,

Welcome back to Writing Examples. Last week, you learned why Succession is the modern Shakespeare. This week, see how punctuation can completely change the mood of your writing. But first, an announcement:

Join Our "Grand Finale Cohort"

Earlier this week, we shared some bittersweet news: the upcoming Write of Passage Bootcamp will be our last cohort ever. (You know what they say. All good things come to an end.) You can read David's full letter here.

This means we're going out with a bang. 

Our "Grand Finale Cohort" kicks off on October 7, and it's going to be the biggest and best one yet. If you've ever wanted to experience the magic of Write of Passage, this is your last chance.

Don’t Forget to Breathe

"When he woke in the woods in the dark and the cold of the night he’d reach out to touch the child sleeping beside him."

– Cormac McCarthy, The Road
 

Cormac McCarthy is teaching you how to write with rhythm. In this example, the lack of punctuation mirrors the ongoing, relentless journey of the characters. It makes you feel rushed and restless, with no time to pause and breathe. The lack of punctuation forces you to keep moving on to the next word, then the next, then the next… much like the journey itself. 

We feel the man’s overbearing anxiety because of how it’s described. McCarthy could’ve added commas, creating a slower, less urgent feeling: “When he woke in the woods, in the dark and the cold of the night, he’d reach out to touch the child sleeping beside him.”

Or, he could’ve used dashes to give the sense of a sudden interruption: “When he woke — in the woods, in the dark, in the cold of the night — he’d reach out to touch the child sleeping beside him.”

In one motion, he wakes up, takes in the cold night with his senses, and his first thought is to check that the sleeping child is safe. It's not just worry but drowsiness and confusion too — all in a brief sequence. In one sweeping, unpunctuated action, McCarthy makes you feel the character's breathlessness.

The rhythm of your writing — its pacing and punctuation — can convey emotion. When you orchestrate the flow of your writing, you can immerse your reader in a certain feeling; you can help them feel what your character feels.

How I Write Podcast

How to Build a Writing Empire | Ben Thompson

What if writing a newsletter could pay your rent? Well, it can. And today, you’re going to learn how.

Ben Thompson makes millions of dollars a year with his writing. He’s the OG of subscription-based newsletters. Maybe that’s your dream, too, but you’re plagued by questions like: “What should I write about?” “What’s my business model?” “How do I make my first dollar online?” We’re so glad you asked, because Ben has the answers. In this episode, you’ll learn his exact playbook for how to monetize your writing — not just for right now, but also for the future. 

Ben’s blog Stratechery actually inspired the creation of Substack. If you’ve ever wondered what a day in the life looks like  for someone who makes millions of dollars, now’s your chance. 

Listen Now: YouTube | Spotify | Apple

Thank you for reading Writing Examples. This week, try using punctuation to evoke emotion.

Happy writing,

The Write of Passage Team