“Write the truest sentence you know.” Then do it again. One sentence at a time, you write your story. Classic authors knew that there was nothing like capturing and keeping a reader’s attention, and titan in the literary world, Ernest Hemingway, knew and performed this trick better than most.
Known for his concise, powerful prose, Hemingway’s advice to write one true sentence at a time encapsulates the essence of his approach to storytelling—one that hinges on the authenticity of every sentence.
In the world of Hemingway, the narrative unfolds one sentence at a time. Sentences pull the reader along, like links in a chain, to the conclusion, toward the truth. Truth is elusive and can change from sentence to sentence, but if a writer focuses on making each sentence true, the reader will be pulled along. Every writer, (yes, even the classic authors), desires the command of readers’ attention.
By crafting each sentence with a commitment to truth, the writer threads truth throughout the entire tale.
How Do I Write Like Hemingway?
To write like Hemingway, focus on simplicity and brevity. Use short, direct sentences and avoid unnecessary details. Embrace the “show, don’t tell” principle, allowing readers to infer meaning from the narrator’s descriptions, character’s expressions or movements, or vague dialogue.
Develop a keen observation of life and draw inspiration from your experiences. Consider keeping a creative scrapbook and collecting quotes, thoughts, notes, and ideas from authentic experiences you have in real life. Hemingway’s writing incorporates a deep understanding of human emotions, so use real emotions and behaviors you see in the world as inspiration for honest emotional resonance in your writing.
How Do I Edit like Hemingway?
You can also keep this commitment to truth in mind when editing. Hone your editing skills to eliminate redundant or flowery language. Remember that every sentence should be able to stand true on its own. Every sentence should contain something that moves the story forward and keeps the reader engaged. Otherwise, does the story need it? If there’s no truth or value in the sentence, can it be cut?
Classic authors invested less time in editing than they did in writing, because, when writing everything by hand, they were often more likely to decide on their word before committing it to paper. In today’s world of Backspace and Delete All functions, you may find yourself spending more time editing than Hemingway would have. Technology makes both writing and editing simpler than ever before.
Classic Authors Were People, Too
Of course, Hemingway’s life and work are not without controversy. In particular, his portrayal of women was *ahem* questionable (and certainly never passes the Bechdel Test). I am not the first to criticize him for being stereotypical, limited, and reflecting traditional gender roles. Like any author, his perspective is limited, and his version of the truth in the world is biased.
But take from him what you can and build a brighter future.
As you hone your craft as a writer, let this spark of wisdom from one of the great American classic authors serve as a guiding light. Hemingway’s words of wisdom can be a reminder that every sentence should bear the weight of truth. Remember that each sentence not only contributes to the story’s progression but also must captivate and enchant the reader.
If you want to write with a similar brilliance to Hemingway, don’t forget how important it is to develop your own style and voice. Be brief. Wield words with precision and impact. But know that Hemingway is asking you to do more than that: he asks you to deliver profound truths in the most economical manner. Let your sentences resonate, reverberating with the authenticity of human experience.
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