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
saved by
related reading
- 50 things I know - by Sasha Chapin - Sasha's 'Newsletter'sashachapin.substack.com
- How to think in writing - by Henrik Karlssonhenrikkarlsson.xyz
- Notes Against Note-Taking Systems - by Sasha Chapinsashachapin.substack.com
- Half A Month Of Consolation Writing Adviceastralcodexten.com
- 50 things I know - by Sasha Chapin - Sasha's 'Newsletter'sashachapin.substack.com
- Making Normal Conversations Better - by Sasha Chapinsashachapin.substack.com
- Half A Month Of Consolation Writing Advicesubstack.com
- Making Normal Conversations Better - by Sasha Chapinsashachapin.substack.com
- Half A Month Of Consolation Writing Advicesubstack.com
- If You Have Writer's Block, Maybe You Should Stop Lyingsashachapin.substack.com
- Nonfiction Writing Advice | Slate Star Codexslatestarcodex.com
- Some thoughts on writingdanluu.com