Episode · How I Write · 2026-08-05
Books mentioned on Writing Techniques I Wish I Knew Earlier (Mark Forsyth Interview)
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Elements of Eloquence
The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth is an engaging guide that explores various rhetorical figures, patterns of writing, and tools designed to help writers craft memorable phrases.
Discussed“And now what I want to do is go through like 10 or 11 this from your book Elements of Eloquence.”
Where to get it
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Bleak House
Bleak House is an expansive 1853 novel by Charles Dickens that uses the convoluted legal case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce to excoriate the failures of the British judicial system and expose the deep inequalities of Victorian society.
Discussed“His great novel, Bleak House, the first line, the first sentence of that book is one word long.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (3) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
Passing Stranger in a Strange Land
“I think there's a heavy metal album called Stranger in a Strange Land, but I can't remember who it's by.”
Passing Rivals
“And her I think her her novel um Rivals has become massive hit TV series of late.”
Passing David Copperfield
“I mean to for some reason we never apply this um rule of there must be a main verb to the title of a book like Bleak House or David Copperfield.”