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Writing Hack: Write It Just Like That

psychotechnology.substack.com · 963 words · saved by 3 readers

A Dovlatov-Chapin writing hack

Writing Hack: Write It Just Like That A Dovlatov-Chapin writing hack Sasha Putilin Jun 13, 2025 369 12 43 Share In the novella “The Suitcase” by nonconformist soviet writer Sergei Dovlatov I came across a dialogue that contains one of the most important writing hacks I know. The dialogue is between the mother of Dovlatov’s friend and Dovlatov himself. “You know, I've long wanted to write about Kolya. Something like memoirs” “Write it” “I'm afraid I don't have talent. Though all my friends liked my letters.” “Then write it as a long letter.” “The hardest thing is to start. Really, where did it

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