Razors for Writers: A Guide to Literary Principles
Explore the principles of Occam's Razor, Russell's Teapot, Hitchen's Razor, and Hickam's Dictum and how they can be applied to writing. Learn how to make a story believable and provide enough detail to make it plausible.
Jamie Russo
Building https://t.co/XVXKXGoujR to $50k/mo. Tweets about the journey. Author of The Underdog Paradox.
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Your writing doesn't suck.
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
Your 4th-grade English class sucked.
Razors for writers... pic.twitter.com/OH0AsRWdEk -
Occam's Razor:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
The simplest explanation is usually the correct one.
Opt for the more plausible option when choosing between two plot twists. pic.twitter.com/hRJcVJOICJ -
Russell's Teapot:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/xGQGUuu39D -
Hitchen's Razor:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
Any claim made without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
Ensure there's evidence within a narrative to support it. pic.twitter.com/OimFgFTujC -
Hickam's Dictum:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
Consider all possibilities rather than focusing on one.
Craft complex stories that reflect real-life challenges. pic.twitter.com/w9rjsezIuQ -
Hanlon's Razor:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
Don't assume someone is wrong when they could be making a mistake.
If a character makes a bad decision, explore their ignorance. pic.twitter.com/G6ZsKlObKU -
Newton's Flaming Laser Sword:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
Any theory that cannot be confirmed with evidence should be discarded.
Avoid building a story around a concept that cannot be verified. pic.twitter.com/AONvOme3lV -
Popper's Razor:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/5cuaN9SmIh -
Darwin's Razor:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/JTeyj7JDCR -
The Principle of Charity:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
Interpret other people's statements in the most rational way possible.
Portray characters' arguments as well-intentioned, even if flawed. pic.twitter.com/516Q86LJLV -
The Principle of Plenitude:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
Everything that can exist does exist.
Create imaginative worlds that explore numerous possibilities and perspectives. pic.twitter.com/CNAuWFkLU2 -
The Perfect Solution Fallacy:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
This principle warns against rejecting a good solution because it is not perfect.
Characters make imperfect yet practical decisions, reflecting real life. pic.twitter.com/4xTeIwAWE8 -
The Razor of Consistency:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
We should strive to apply our principles and beliefs consistently.
Ensure your characters' actions align with their established values. pic.twitter.com/cKT2EZ5GaE -
Razors for writers:
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
• 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.
— Jamie Russo (@jamierusso) March 30, 2023
Follow me @jamierusso for more.
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