Premise + Active Voice = Prose That Lands

 

Active Quill Pen


“The first requisite for good writing is a premise.”  

– Lajos Egri

Problem

Ninety percent of first drafts drift. Readers skim. They quit.

The Synthesis

  1. Dramatic Writing → Egri: Premise drives every sentence. One clear thesis.
  2. Elements of Style → Strunk: Active voice cuts fat. Subject acts.
  3. Writing Tools → Clark End: sentences strong. Begin with power.

Action Protocol

Step

1.Write premise in one line.
2.Hunt every “was” + verb.
3.Flip to active. End with punch.

Quick Flip Table


PassiveActive

Wealth is built by frugality →Frugality builds wealth

Focus is sharpened by silence → Silence sharpens focus

Elements of Style Summary – Full rules. Dramatic Writing Summary – Premise deep dive.

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