“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” – Anton Chekhov, Born Jan. 29, 1860. Show, don’t tell. It’s an old adage among screenwriters, who incidentally love Chekhov. So, it behooves us to remember that demonstration is the highest possible form of proving the effectiveness of a […]
Make Metaphors That Cut Like a Razor to the Throat Read More »
“Don’t forget that the only two things people read in a story are the first and last sentences. Give them blood in the eye on the first one.” – Herbert Bayard Swope, Born Jan. 5, 1882. That’s why your opener should fuck the reader in the brain, right through their eye socket, planting the seed
Bloody Eyeballs Are Happy Eyeballs Read More »
“Propaganda requires a permanent network of communication so that it can systematically stifle reflection with emotive or utopian slogans. Its pace is usually fast.” – John Berger, Born Nov. 5, 1936. To me, this speaks to the necessity of frequent messages to to one’s audience. And also to the fact that a moment of quiet
Propaganda Works Because It’s Consistent (Advertising, Too.) Read More »
