This resonated not just with my writing but how I work visually. In painting there’s a similar moment where you realize the piece gets stronger when you stop adding and let the important elements carry the weight. Too many details can dilute the feeling the same way too many words can dilute a sentence. The idea of compression translating across creative fields was really interesting to think about. Thank you Idris Elijah for another enlightening read and Happy Friday to you!
Reading this as someone who makes music, the connection to arrangement made perfect sense. Sometimes the moment a track really comes alive is when you mute something.You think the emotion comes from adding layers but a lot of the time it shows up when you clear space and let the core idea breathe. That same instinct translating to writing was interesting to see laid out so clearly. I appreciate the perspective in this really good piece Idris Elijah! Enjoy your weekend!
The part about compression versus length stuck with me. I’ve written drafts where I kept explaining the same emotion from three different angles instead of trusting one strong moment to carry it. That example about the kid in the stands was a good reminder of how much story can live inside one line. I’m going to keep this in mind the next time I revise something. Not asking “what else should I say,” but “what can disappear and still leave the meaning standing. Thank you for the insight. This was a great read Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!
I’ve always liked editing and deleting but this gave language to why it works. The example about the kid stopping checking the stands by fourteen… that says more than a whole paragraph of explanation ever could. It made me think about how often we over-explain because we’re nervous the point won’t land. But the lines that stay with people usually leave a little space for the reader to step in. Really enjoyed this one. It made me want to go back through things I’ve written and see what gets stronger when I take things away. Thank you Idris for another thoughtful issue and Happy Friday!
This made me think about communication more than writing. As a parent, it’s easy to over-explain everything because you want to make sure your kid understands.But sometimes the message lands better when it’s simple and clear instead of wrapped in ten extra sentences. That idea of trusting the other person to meet you halfway made me think of my daughter. I enjoyed this one a lot. Thanks for sharing it Idris Elijah and Happy Friday to you!
This resonated not just with my writing but how I work visually. In painting there’s a similar moment where you realize the piece gets stronger when you stop adding and let the important elements carry the weight. Too many details can dilute the feeling the same way too many words can dilute a sentence. The idea of compression translating across creative fields was really interesting to think about. Thank you Idris Elijah for another enlightening read and Happy Friday to you!
You’re welcome! 😇 and yes, compression does work across disciplines. Happy Friday!! 🤩🤩🤩
Reading this as someone who makes music, the connection to arrangement made perfect sense. Sometimes the moment a track really comes alive is when you mute something.You think the emotion comes from adding layers but a lot of the time it shows up when you clear space and let the core idea breathe. That same instinct translating to writing was interesting to see laid out so clearly. I appreciate the perspective in this really good piece Idris Elijah! Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks Brooke for your kind words. Emotions do come from less is more mentality. Have a great weekend!! 🤩🤩🤩
The part about compression versus length stuck with me. I’ve written drafts where I kept explaining the same emotion from three different angles instead of trusting one strong moment to carry it. That example about the kid in the stands was a good reminder of how much story can live inside one line. I’m going to keep this in mind the next time I revise something. Not asking “what else should I say,” but “what can disappear and still leave the meaning standing. Thank you for the insight. This was a great read Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!
Pleased you enjoyed this issue Chloe! Compression is such a powerful tool. Have a great weekend as well! 🤩🤩🤩
I’ve always liked editing and deleting but this gave language to why it works. The example about the kid stopping checking the stands by fourteen… that says more than a whole paragraph of explanation ever could. It made me think about how often we over-explain because we’re nervous the point won’t land. But the lines that stay with people usually leave a little space for the reader to step in. Really enjoyed this one. It made me want to go back through things I’ve written and see what gets stronger when I take things away. Thank you Idris for another thoughtful issue and Happy Friday!
Loved this! Thank you for sharing!! Have a great weekend!!! 🤩🤩🤩
This made me think about communication more than writing. As a parent, it’s easy to over-explain everything because you want to make sure your kid understands.But sometimes the message lands better when it’s simple and clear instead of wrapped in ten extra sentences. That idea of trusting the other person to meet you halfway made me think of my daughter. I enjoyed this one a lot. Thanks for sharing it Idris Elijah and Happy Friday to you!
Love this twist on the material! Such a useful takeaway for communication. Have a great weekend Maria! 🤩🤩🤩