How to Tell a Great Story (The Robert Greene Blueprint)
How I Write
Deep Dive
Why does Robert Greene emphasize storytelling as a form of seduction?
Storytelling is primal and engages the human brain by taking the reader on a journey, creating a sense of aliveness and emotional connection. It mimics how our brains naturally operate by continually telling us stories, making it a powerful and timeless tool for communication.
What is the significance of timelessness in Robert Greene's writing?
Timelessness ensures that the writing resonates across generations. Greene avoids colloquialisms and focuses on themes and styles that remain relevant, aiming for a crisp and clear tone that will endure for decades or even centuries.
How does Robert Greene approach research for his books?
Greene conducts deep, extensive research, often using a note card system to organize information. He seeks stories with drama and emotional resonance, focusing on themes like death, envy, and power, which are universal human experiences.
Why does Robert Greene rewrite his stories hundreds of times?
He rewrites to achieve a visceral, emotional impact. By cutting extraneous details and focusing deeply on the theme, Greene ensures the story feels alive and draws the reader into the experience.
What role does anger play in Robert Greene's writing?
Anger adds a primal, emotional charge to his work. Greene believes controlled anger is more powerful than venting, as it creates an undertone that draws readers in and connects them to the narrative on a deeper level.
How does Robert Greene describe the editing process?
Editing is where the true writing happens. Greene emphasizes cutting extraneous material and refining the story to create a visceral, emotional impact. He often rewrites extensively until the story feels alive and resonates with readers.
What is Robert Greene's view on creativity?
Creativity is a mix of disciplined effort and the ability to tap into a childlike openness. Greene believes that years of experience and deep thinking enrich the creative process, allowing ideas to feel like they are airdropped into the mind.
Why does Robert Greene avoid moralizing in his books?
He avoids moralizing to treat readers as adults, allowing them to draw their own conclusions. Greene presents stories and lessons without judgment, encouraging readers to think critically and independently.
What is the importance of physical details in storytelling according to Robert Greene?
Physical details like colors, smells, and sounds make the story come alive. They create a vivid, immersive experience for the reader, drawing them into the narrative and making it feel real and relatable.
What is Robert Greene's secret ambition as a writer?
His ambition is to make reading, studying classics, and philosophy appealing to young people. Greene wants to inspire them to step away from screens and challenge their minds, fostering a sense of wonder and intellectual curiosity.
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