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

Start the week #97

5 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Critique Culture
  1. Free travel for older people has benefits beyond just costs, like reducing social isolation and allowing them to volunteer more. It's important to consider the wider social impact of policies.
  2. Some argue that older people don't need free transport because they are financially stable, but many are not, and they've paid taxes for years. We should give back to them for their contributions.
  3. The comparison made about fare dodgers and travel benefits is flawed. Just like teachers gain more from engaged students rather than those who do nothing, society benefits more from supporting active older citizens.

How I wrote one of my letters

1 implied HN point • 15 Jun 25
  1. Writing letters can be a fun and creative way to connect with others. It's like having a two-way conversation, but on paper.
  2. Sharing the process behind writing can inspire others to start their own writing projects. People enjoy seeing how ideas come together.
  3. Being a part of a supportive community, like through subscriptions, can help writers stay motivated and improve their craft.

Letter to Rebecca #25-08

5 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
  1. Balancing commitments is important. It's okay to drop something if it's too much to handle, and it can actually make you feel better.
  2. Mistakes in writing can happen, especially with heavy workloads on writers and editors. Even AI-generated content can lack interest sometimes.
  3. Diet and stress management can influence health. Eating more fruits, like berries, and controlling stress might help you live longer.

Start the week #96

5 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing Education Creative Reading Correspondence
  1. Thinking about all the jobs you've had can spark creativity. It’s a good way to reflect on your experiences and tell your story.
  2. Running a course can be tough if not enough people sign up. But it can also be a fun learning experience for those who attend.
  3. Removing paywalls can help increase access to your work and attract more readers. It's a nice way to share knowledge with others.

Start the week #95

7 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
  1. Reading a variety of books can open your eyes to different cultures and writing styles. Books like 'The Penguin Book of Bengali Short Stories' offer unique perspectives that English literature may not cover.
  2. 'Listen In: How Radio Changed the Home' shows how new technologies, like radio, can transform daily life. It’s fascinating to think about how people adapted to listening to news and entertainment at home.
  3. Teaching creative writing can be really rewarding. When students successfully publish their work, it feels great to have helped them on their journey.
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Bookish words,& their surprising stories

5 implied HN points • 30 May 25
📚 Literature Writing Books Reading Language Criticism
  1. Reading around a subject can deepen your understanding, even if it doesn’t directly relate to what you're studying. For example, exploring historical or literary contexts can provide valuable insights.
  2. The book 'Bookish Words' explains the origins and meanings of certain words and phrases that we often use. It makes learning about words fun and interesting.
  3. 'Bookish Words' is short and easy to dip into whenever you want to know more about language. It can also be a neat reference for impressing friends with your word knowledge.

Start the week #94

6 implied HN points • 27 May 25
  1. Sometimes, it's hard to think of topics to write about, but if it interests you, it might interest others too.
  2. Trying new experiences, like getting a proper shave at a barber, can feel a bit scary but also refreshing.
  3. Positive feedback from students shows that teaching and guiding others can be really fulfilling and meaningful.

My (Non-) Sporting Life

10 implied HN points • 17 May 25
  1. Not playing sports can teach important lessons about teamwork and perseverance. You can learn and grow from experiences outside of sports too.
  2. Participating in a community, like a club or group, can enhance creativity and provide support. It's great to connect with others who share similar interests.
  3. Writing about personal experiences, even ones that seem mundane, helps explore and understand your thoughts and feelings. It can be a powerful tool for reflection.

Me and Mrs Jones

10 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Music Cultural analysis
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. The song hints at a complicated love story, suggesting the characters might have a deeper history. This ambiguity makes it interesting and relatable.

O America

10 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Travel History Society Arts
  1. 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.
  2. The author appreciates America's diverse culture, big food portions, and the lively atmosphere of places like all-night bookstores and sunny streets.
  3. 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.

Experiments in style: New Journalism

8 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Genres Styles Nonfiction Fiction
  1. Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. Experimenting with how you write can change how your story feels.
  2. New Journalism blends storytelling techniques with real-life events. This style makes nonfiction more engaging and narrative-driven.
  3. Using personal experiences as inspiration can lead to creative writing. Your own life events can turn into interesting stories when reimagined.

Bravery, revisted

11 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Memoir Narrative Reflection Family
  1. Eclecticism in writing means blending different styles and ideas. It can make your work more unique and interesting.
  2. Bravery is often about facing difficult situations, like dealing with loss. It shows how we can handle tough times and still carry on.
  3. 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.

Experiment in style: Testing times

10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Genres Narrative Poetry Criticism
  1. 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.
  2. Reworking a text into something like an exam can be a creative exercise. This approach encourages deeper thinking about the content.
  3. Using humor and different literary techniques can make writing more engaging. Experiments like these help explore the balance between seriousness and playfulness.

Experiments in style: The Disk Jockey

9 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Reflections Style Parody Creativity
  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. Using humor in writing can capture readers' attention and make serious topics more enjoyable. Laughing at something tough can help us understand it better!

Start the week #88

10 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Books Articles Courses Creative
  1. The 60 Minute Writer course teaches different writing techniques each week. It's a great opportunity for those looking to improve their writing skills.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Start the week #90

7 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Books Reviews Courses Education
  1. Writing reviews can be tricky. Sometimes it's better to mix positive and negative feedback rather than sticking to one type every time.
  2. Teaching encourages sharing and growth. It takes courage to put your work out there, but it's worth it to get better.
  3. Reflecting on your past can be rewarding. Finding your first published work reminds you of how far you've come over the years.

Why I didn't wear a tie

10 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Essays Narrative Personal Reflections
  1. The author decided not to wear a tie this year at a family New Year party, breaking a long-standing tradition.
  2. 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.
  3. The story highlights how personal and emotional events can change our perspectives and choices about traditions.

The Skinhead Macbeth

6 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Culture Criticism
  1. This version of Macbeth uses modern slang to make the story easier to understand. It mixes traditional and contemporary language.
  2. Lady Macbeth plays a strong role, pushing Macbeth to take drastic actions for power. Their relationship shows a mix of ambition and conflict.
  3. 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 #89

8 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Education Teachers Essays History
  1. Teachers can have a big impact on our lives. One teacher taught lessons that stayed with me long after class ended.
  2. Exploring poetry can be really meaningful. A poet's words can connect deeply to experiences like love or historical events.
  3. Sharing different writing techniques can help people express themselves better. Teaching a writing course can inspire creativity and improve skills.

Legacy

7 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Life Reflection Legacy
  1. 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.
  2. Planning for the future is valuable. Thinking about things like a legacy can give us peace and clarity, especially after seeing others' experiences.
  3. Humor can help lighten serious topics. Making jokes about heavy subjects can make them easier to discuss with loved ones.

Start the week #86

10 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Reflection Creativity Personal Growth Humor
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Start the week #87

9 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Publication Book Reviews Literary Analysis Cultural Commentary
  1. Choosing the right holiday card can be tricky since different people celebrate different holidays, but a neutral card can be a good choice.
  2. Many people dislike the cheesy Christmas music played in stores, and can even find joy in playing the classic carols themselves.
  3. 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.

And then there was Spikey -- now open to all

7 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Friendship Life Education Reflections
  1. Losing friends can be really tough, especially when they let you down. It shows how important trust is in friendships.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Experiments in style: The Christmas Letter

9 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Storytelling Parody Creative Expression
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It makes you think about how tone and style change a story.
  2. Christmas letters often mix bragging and boring news. A fun approach can be to blend both aspects in a humorous way.
  3. Experimenting with storytelling can bring fresh ideas and laughter. Sharing these experiments can entertain and connect with others.

Letter to Rebecca #25-01

7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Poetry Books Essays Letters
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

A dialogue

9 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Creative Writing Dialogue Writing Techniques
  1. It's important to express your feelings openly in conversations. Letting someone know when you're overwhelmed can lead to a better understanding.
  2. Humor can help lighten the mood during tough discussions. A little laughter can make it easier to find solutions to problems.
  3. Collaboration is key when facing challenges. Sometimes working together on a task can lead to better results than handling it alone.

Letter to Rebecca #25-02

5 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books Writing Reading Education Humor
  1. 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.
  2. Advertisements can sometimes highlight the wrong details. It's often better to focus on what really matters to customers, like comfort and reliability.
  3. 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.

Experiments in Style Special Edition

5 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism Reviews Writing Fiction Essays
  1. Literary criticism plays an important role in understanding and discussing literature. It helps us explore the complexities of writing and its impact.
  2. 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.
  3. The debate over what makes a good writer is complex and subjective. Comparing authors can lead to misunderstandings about literary merit and creativity.

Experiments in style: Mansplaining

7 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Prose Style Genres Parody
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It's like practicing a sport in new ways to get better.
  2. Mansplaining can make a story sound overly complicated and annoying. It's when someone explains things in a way that feels condescending.
  3. Experiencing mild concussion can be frustrating but is often manageable with care. It's important to take it easy and let your body recover.

Experiments in style: a play

9 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Drama Style Creativity
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It lets you see how style changes the mood of a story.
  2. Turning a piece of text into a play is a creative experiment. It can show the story in a fresh and engaging way.
  3. Writing and reading both help you grow as a person. They can also provide comfort during tough times.

Experiments in style: Problem Page

10 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Styles Genres Humor Parody
  1. Rewriting a story in different styles can improve your writing skills. It helps you see how style changes the tone and meaning.
  2. Advice columns are common in British newspapers where people ask for help with personal problems. A fictional character, Uncle Fred, humorously answers these letters.
  3. 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: The Snowball Effect

8 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Ethics Dystopia Social theory
  1. New inventions can have surprising negative effects, even if they seem harmless at first. Sometimes, people focus on good intentions and overlook possible problems.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Experiments in style: A merry dance

7 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Style Narrative Expression
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Dystopian visions: Flowers for Algernon

8 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Science fiction Ethics Writing Dystopia
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

A Sound of Thunder

7 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Science fiction Literary Analysis Storytelling
  1. Small changes can lead to big consequences, like in the butterfly effect. Even a tiny mistake can have a huge impact.
  2. In work, accuracy matters. Small errors in calculations, like rounding, can cause serious issues down the line.
  3. It's important to recognize that every part, small or large, plays a vital role in a project. Everything matters!

Letter to Rebecca #24-23

8 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Literary theory Culture
  1. Pets can sometimes cause unexpected worries, like health issues. It's good to stay on top of their care, like regular vet visits.
  2. Supermarkets collect a lot of data on shoppers, which can feel intrusive. It's interesting how they use this info to target offers.
  3. Ideas for writing can come from anywhere, even just everyday moments. Walking around or doing chores can spark creativity.

Start the week #84

9 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Writing Success Personal Experience
  1. Modesty isn't the same as being jealous of others' success. It’s okay to celebrate achievements without feeling bad about it.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Experiments in style: Antonymic translation

10 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Style Translation Genre Creativity
  1. Trying to rewrite texts in different styles can help improve writing skills. It's a fun way to explore new ways to express ideas.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  1. Hyperbole can make writing more engaging and fun. It exaggerates situations to create humor and interest.
  2. Reworking a story in different styles can help improve writing skills. Trying out new styles lets writers explore creativity and find their voice.
  3. Sharing personal experiences can connect with readers. People enjoy relatable stories and may feel comforted by shared struggles.

Experiments in style: Bandit poem

7 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Style Creative Reflection
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.