Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing, and life is a Substack focused on exploring a wide range of topics encompassing literary reflections, personal musings on daily life, in-depth book reviews, creative nonfiction writing experiments, and the inclusion of humor. It delves into everyday experiences, literature analysis, writing practices, cultural assessments, and personal anecdotes to offer nuanced perspectives on life and art.

Literature and Book Reviews Creative Writing and Nonfiction Personal Musings and Everyday Life Cultural and Artistic Commentary Writing Techniques and Experiments Music and Arts Humor and Satire Health and Lifestyle Changes Personal Development and Self-improvement Technology and Media

The hottest Substack posts of Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life

And their main takeaways

Me and Mrs Jones

10 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25

The song 'Me and Mrs Jones' is considered a classic because of its strong lyrics and emotional depth. People are still drawn to it many years later.
Flash fiction, or very short stories, works well because it leaves room for listeners to imagine what happens between the characters. It asks them to read between the lines.
The song hints at a complicated love story, suggesting the characters might have a deeper history. This ambiguity makes it interesting and relatable.

The Skinhead Macbeth

6 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25

📚 Literature Writing Culture Criticism

This version of Macbeth uses modern slang to make the story easier to understand. It mixes traditional and contemporary language.
Lady Macbeth plays a strong role, pushing Macbeth to take drastic actions for power. Their relationship shows a mix of ambition and conflict.
The humor in the dialogue adds a light-hearted twist to a dark story. It invites readers to see Shakespeare's work in a new, fun way.

Start the week #90

7 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25

📚 Literature Writing Books Reviews Courses Education

Writing reviews can be tricky. Sometimes it's better to mix positive and negative feedback rather than sticking to one type every time.
Teaching encourages sharing and growth. It takes courage to put your work out there, but it's worth it to get better.
Reflecting on your past can be rewarding. Finding your first published work reminds you of how far you've come over the years.

Experiments in style: New Journalism

8 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25

📚 Literature Writing Genres Styles Nonfiction Fiction

Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. Experimenting with how you write can change how your story feels.
New Journalism blends storytelling techniques with real-life events. This style makes nonfiction more engaging and narrative-driven.
Using personal experiences as inspiration can lead to creative writing. Your own life events can turn into interesting stories when reimagined.

O America

10 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25

🎭️ Culture Literature Travel History Society Arts

The author has a long-standing love for America, starting from childhood visits to family members there. It's clear that these experiences deeply influenced his view of the country.
The author appreciates America's diverse culture, big food portions, and the lively atmosphere of places like all-night bookstores and sunny streets.
Despite political disagreements and tensions in America, the author remains fascinated and admires the country's history and achievements, like the civil rights movement and space exploration.

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Letter to Rebecca #25-02

5 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25

📚 Literature Books Writing Reading Education Humor

Making New Year resolutions can lead to feeling bad if you don't stick to them. Instead, not making any can help avoid that pressure.
Advertisements can sometimes highlight the wrong details. It's often better to focus on what really matters to customers, like comfort and reliability.
Books and reading are enjoyable, and finding interesting ones in second-hand shops is a fun adventure. Plus, discussing what you read with others can make it even better.

Legacy

7 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25

📚 Literature Poetry Writing Life Reflection Legacy

It's important to talk openly about health issues. Sharing difficult news, like a terminal illness, helps both partners prepare for what’s to come.
Planning for the future is valuable. Thinking about things like a legacy can give us peace and clarity, especially after seeing others' experiences.
Humor can help lighten serious topics. Making jokes about heavy subjects can make them easier to discuss with loved ones.

Experiments in style: The Disk Jockey

9 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25

📚 Literature Writing Reflections Style Parody Creativity

Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. It's like practicing a new dance move, the more you do it, the better you become!
Parody writing is a fun way to explore styles, as it lets you play with existing texts. It’s like putting a funny twist on a familiar song.
Using humor in writing can capture readers' attention and make serious topics more enjoyable. Laughing at something tough can help us understand it better!

Experiments in Style Special Edition

5 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25

📚 Literature Criticism Reviews Writing Fiction Essays

Literary criticism plays an important role in understanding and discussing literature. It helps us explore the complexities of writing and its impact.
The book 'The Secret Miracle' features a character who can read letters without opening them. It uses a unique story structure, which fits into larger literary themes.
The debate over what makes a good writer is complex and subjective. Comparing authors can lead to misunderstandings about literary merit and creativity.

Experiment in style: Testing times

10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25

📚 Literature Writing Genres Narrative Poetry Criticism

Trying different writing styles can help improve your writing skills. It’s fun to see how changing the style can change the story's tone.
Reworking a text into something like an exam can be a creative exercise. This approach encourages deeper thinking about the content.
Using humor and different literary techniques can make writing more engaging. Experiments like these help explore the balance between seriousness and playfulness.

Start the week #89

8 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

📚 Literature Poetry Writing Education Teachers Essays History

Teachers can have a big impact on our lives. One teacher taught lessons that stayed with me long after class ended.
Exploring poetry can be really meaningful. A poet's words can connect deeply to experiences like love or historical events.
Sharing different writing techniques can help people express themselves better. Teaching a writing course can inspire creativity and improve skills.

Bravery, revisted

11 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25

📚 Literature Writing Memoir Narrative Reflection Family

Eclecticism in writing means blending different styles and ideas. It can make your work more unique and interesting.
Bravery is often about facing difficult situations, like dealing with loss. It shows how we can handle tough times and still carry on.
Family memories can be both joyful and bittersweet. They remind us of the love we share, and the people we miss when they're gone.

Start the week #88

10 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25

📚 Literature Writing Books Articles Courses Creative

The 60 Minute Writer course teaches different writing techniques each week. It's a great opportunity for those looking to improve their writing skills.
Giving and receiving feedback is important for growth in writing. Clear instructions can help people understand how to give constructive feedback and accept it better.
Reading a mix of articles and different styles can inspire new ideas. Engaging with various writers helps to understand different perspectives and improve one's own writing.

Why I didn't wear a tie

10 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25

📚 Literature Writing Essays Narrative Personal Reflections

The author decided not to wear a tie this year at a family New Year party, breaking a long-standing tradition.
This decision was influenced by a family member's recent serious health scare, which made the author want to feel less formal and more connected.
The story highlights how personal and emotional events can change our perspectives and choices about traditions.

And then there was Spikey -- now open to all

7 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25

📚 Literature Writing Friendship Life Education Reflections

Losing friends can be really tough, especially when they let you down. It shows how important trust is in friendships.
Sometimes, something good can come out of a bad situation, like finding a new connection or love. Those experiences can bring joy into our lives.
Even if friendships fade over time, the good memories and feelings can stay with us forever. It's the love and respect that keep them alive in our hearts.

Letter to Rebecca #25-01

7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25

📚 Literature Writing Poetry Books Essays Letters

The writer prefers quiet moments after the holiday rush, finding joy in low-key family gatherings rather than loud celebrations. It's okay to cherish solitude and more subdued experiences.
The writer enjoys exploring new readings and has subscribed to a newsletter even without reading the articles yet, showing they value the publisher's reputation. Discovering new things can happen even before diving deep into them.
There's humor in everyday situations, like using cleaning as an excuse to exercise, reminding us that we can find fun and creativity in mundane tasks. Life is what you make of it, even while doing chores!

Start the week #87

9 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24

📚 Literature Writing Publication Book Reviews Literary Analysis Cultural Commentary

Choosing the right holiday card can be tricky since different people celebrate different holidays, but a neutral card can be a good choice.
Many people dislike the cheesy Christmas music played in stores, and can even find joy in playing the classic carols themselves.
It's important to take breaks during the holiday season and focus on both family and traditions, while also wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year.

Start the week #86

10 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24

📚 Literature Writing Reflection Creativity Personal Growth Humor

Writing can be tough sometimes, and it's normal to feel stuck or unsure about what to create. It's important to remember that finding joy and laughter in writing can be valuable for others.
Social media can feel overwhelming with constant bragging and selling. It's okay to mute or block content that doesn’t interest you, and it’s important to focus on what truly matters to us.
Learning an instrument, like the saxophone, involves a lot of patience and practice. Success often comes just when we feel like giving up, so it's good to keep showing up and trying.

Experiments in style: The Christmas Letter

9 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24

📚 Literature Writing Storytelling Parody Creative Expression

Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It makes you think about how tone and style change a story.
Christmas letters often mix bragging and boring news. A fun approach can be to blend both aspects in a humorous way.
Experimenting with storytelling can bring fresh ideas and laughter. Sharing these experiments can entertain and connect with others.

Experiments in style: Mansplaining

7 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24

📚 Literature Writing Prose Style Genres Parody

Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It's like practicing a sport in new ways to get better.
Mansplaining can make a story sound overly complicated and annoying. It's when someone explains things in a way that feels condescending.
Experiencing mild concussion can be frustrating but is often manageable with care. It's important to take it easy and let your body recover.

A dialogue

9 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24

📚 Literature Fiction Creative Writing Dialogue Writing Techniques

It's important to express your feelings openly in conversations. Letting someone know when you're overwhelmed can lead to a better understanding.
Humor can help lighten the mood during tough discussions. A little laughter can make it easier to find solutions to problems.
Collaboration is key when facing challenges. Sometimes working together on a task can lead to better results than handling it alone.

Experiments in style: A merry dance

7 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24

📚 Literature Writing Fiction Style Narrative Expression

Experimenting with different writing styles can help improve your writing skills. Trying out new genres and formats can change the tone and perspective of a story.
A humorous take on a misadventure can add a light-hearted dimension to storytelling. Using funny situations, like a character bumping into walls while sleepwalking, makes the narrative more engaging.
Involving readers through competitions or challenges can create interaction. Asking them to identify elements in a story, like types of dances, adds fun and engagement to the reading experience.

A Sound of Thunder

7 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24

📚 Literature Fiction Writing Science fiction Literary Analysis Storytelling

Small changes can lead to big consequences, like in the butterfly effect. Even a tiny mistake can have a huge impact.
In work, accuracy matters. Small errors in calculations, like rounding, can cause serious issues down the line.
It's important to recognize that every part, small or large, plays a vital role in a project. Everything matters!

Experiments in style: a play

9 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24

📚 Literature Writing Fiction Drama Style Creativity

Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It lets you see how style changes the mood of a story.
Turning a piece of text into a play is a creative experiment. It can show the story in a fresh and engaging way.
Writing and reading both help you grow as a person. They can also provide comfort during tough times.

Dystopian visions: The Snowball Effect

8 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24

📚 Literature Fiction Writing Ethics Dystopia Social theory

New inventions can have surprising negative effects, even if they seem harmless at first. Sometimes, people focus on good intentions and overlook possible problems.
A story called 'The Snowball Effect' shows how an idea about social mathematics leads to a small group growing into something massive and uncontrollable. This raises questions about how quickly things can change.
Using techniques from psychology to influence people's behavior can be ethically tricky. When trying to do good, it's important to think about whether the ends justify the means.

Books I reviewed in 2024

3 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24

📚 Literature Book Reviews Writing Education Journalism History

The author reviewed 32 books in 2024, covering a mix of topics like literature, history, and AI. This variety makes it interesting for readers with different interests.
Most reviews are aimed at teachers, but the books are not all specifically about education. This shows that there's a broader context to the material covered.
The author hopes the reviews help readers decide which books to buy and make them feel confident discussing these books with others.

Letter to Rebecca #24-24

5 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24

📚 Literature Writing Reading Correspondence Music

Weather can cause unexpected delays, like cancelled trains, and it brings a lot of funny stories. Sometimes people take travel warnings too lightly.
Writing letters can be a fun way to communicate, and planning them with a checklist makes it easier. Everyone has their own way of writing, and it's interesting to compare styles.
Music and opera can be really enjoyable experiences, even if it's your first time. It's great to explore new interests, like attending performances and trying out different genres.

Experiments in style: Problem Page

10 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24

📚 Literature Writing Styles Genres Humor Parody

Rewriting a story in different styles can improve your writing skills. It helps you see how style changes the tone and meaning.
Advice columns are common in British newspapers where people ask for help with personal problems. A fictional character, Uncle Fred, humorously answers these letters.
Sometimes, people may avoid seeking medical help even when it's necessary. Humor can shed light on serious situations, showing how people reason with themselves.

Dystopian visions: Flowers for Algernon

8 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24

📚 Literature Fiction Science fiction Ethics Writing Dystopia

The story shows that even good intentions can lead to bad outcomes. The character tries a drug that improves intelligence but faces serious consequences later.
It raises questions about the ethics of scientific breakthroughs. We need to think about who checks these new developments and if anyone really understands them fully.
Modern technology, like artificial intelligence, can be confusing and hidden. People often don't know how it works, making it hard to trust decisions it makes.

Letter to Rebecca #24-23

8 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24

📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Literary theory Culture

Pets can sometimes cause unexpected worries, like health issues. It's good to stay on top of their care, like regular vet visits.
Supermarkets collect a lot of data on shoppers, which can feel intrusive. It's interesting how they use this info to target offers.
Ideas for writing can come from anywhere, even just everyday moments. Walking around or doing chores can spark creativity.

Experiments in style: Bandit poem

7 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24

📚 Literature Poetry Writing Style Creative Reflection

Trying out new writing styles can really help improve your skills. When you change the way you present a story, it can show you new perspectives.
A bandit poem is a cool way to switch things up. It keeps the original text but changes the layout to make it feel more poetic.
Experimenting with writing can change the tone and mood of a piece. Layout and style can make your story feel different than you might expect.

Dystopian Visions: The Machine That Won The War

7 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24

📚 Literature Fiction Writing Analysis Science fiction Dystopia Literary Criticism

The story highlights concerns about reliance on computers, especially in life-or-death situations like war. It makes us think about how much we should trust technology.
The twist in the plot shows that human judgment can sometimes be more important than computer calculations. Sometimes, taking a chance with basic decision-making can be necessary.
Even with all the advancements in AI, we still need to use common sense and personal input when making decisions. Computers have limits, and we shouldn’t forget our own instincts.

Start the week #84

9 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Writing Success Personal Experience

Modesty isn't the same as being jealous of others' success. It’s okay to celebrate achievements without feeling bad about it.
People often react differently when you share news of success, especially in different cultures. Americans can be more supportive, while some in England might be less encouraging.
Feeling overwhelmed by constant bragging can make someone unsubscribe or mute others on social media. It's fine to want a balance and appreciate modesty in sharing achievements.

Dystopian Visions: The Cold Equations

7 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24

📚 Literature Fiction Science fiction Storytelling

The story 'The Cold Equations' shows how strict efficiency can lead to serious problems. It highlights the need to consider what might happen in unexpected situations.
In the story, a pilot must make a tough choice when a stowaway threatens the mission. It raises questions about morality and the consequences of our decisions.
The narrative serves as a reminder that always striving for efficiency without planning for the unexpected can have dangerous outcomes in real life, like during emergencies.

Experiments in style: Antonymic translation

10 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24

📚 Literature Writing Style Translation Genre Creativity

Trying to rewrite texts in different styles can help improve writing skills. It's a fun way to explore new ways to express ideas.
Antonymic translation is a technique where you replace words with their opposites, leading to funny and interesting results. It’s a creative exercise for writers.
This experimentation with styles can change the tone of a story and offers a fresh perspective on familiar narratives. It's great for sparking new ideas.

Experiments in style: hyperbole

9 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24

📚 Literature Writing Creative Expression Storytelling Narrative style Content creation

Hyperbole can make writing more engaging and fun. It exaggerates situations to create humor and interest.
Reworking a story in different styles can help improve writing skills. Trying out new styles lets writers explore creativity and find their voice.
Sharing personal experiences can connect with readers. People enjoy relatable stories and may feel comforted by shared struggles.

Start the week #85: Circularity

7 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

🚌 Education Teaching Literacy Technology Economics

Starting a new career can come from a need to adapt to changing job markets. It's important to explore new opportunities when your current field seems uncertain.
Learning new skills is crucial, and sometimes it takes the help of others to succeed. Getting guidance from colleagues can make a big difference.
Connections made in the past can lead back to new opportunities. You might meet people again who can help you progress in your career.

Letter to Rebecca #24-22

8 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24

🎭️ Culture Literature Art Humor Education Film

Playing Monopoly can teach about wealth and class differences by giving players different starting advantages. It shows how unfair systems can lead to frustration and anger, just like in real life.
Dictator literature is often poorly written, and reading it can be both funny and disappointing. The lack of quality in these writings reflects the overall talent of the dictators themselves.
People have strange beliefs about health and happiness. Some follow very strict routines that seem extreme and might make life feel less enjoyable. It's important to find a balance that works for you.

Experiments in style: Mastermind

7 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24

📚 Literature Writing Parody Style Fiction Creativity

Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. It's fun to change the way you tell a story.
Parody writing is about using humor to mimic another style or genre. This can add a playful twist to your creativity.
Writing can be a way to explore different tones and themes. It’s interesting to see how a simple story changes with a new style.

Experiments in style extra

3 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24

📚 Literature Writing Reading Literary Analysis Creative Writing Storytelling

The project is about rewriting the same story in different styles, with 85 versions created so far. It's a fun way to explore creativity and storytelling.
There is a competition where subscribers can guess a mangled story to win a year's paid subscription. It's a playful way to engage readers.
The author reflects on the quirky twists of writing and humor, suggesting that sometimes nonsense might make more sense than the original. It's all about enjoying the writing process.