How to Write Like the Greats: Classic vs. Modern Writing Techniques
Learn how to write like Ernest Hemingway, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens. Discover the timeless techniques that make classic literature superior to modern writing.
Best quote from How to Write Like the Greats: Classic vs. Modern Writing Techniques
The classics are the survivors that have gone through a ruthless, centuries-long gauntlet of being read, debated, and critiqued; they survived because they refused to shut up.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
I want to be a truly great writer. Please make me a lesson that shows why the classics are so great compared to modern writing. What makes a great classic such good writing and how do you write like the grades like to story Hemingway I’ll Dick AUSTIN what is the way to write well, is it technique or is it just passion for?
Frequently Asked Questions
Classic literature often focuses on enduring themes and meticulous structural techniques that have stood the test of time. While modern writing may prioritize fast-paced plots and contemporary trends, the greats like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens utilized complex character development and rich, descriptive language. Studying these differences helps writers understand how to move beyond temporary fads to create stories with lasting emotional and intellectual impact on their readers.
To write like Ernest Hemingway, you must master the art of simplicity and the 'Iceberg Theory.' This technique involves using short, declarative sentences and stripping away unnecessary adjectives to let the underlying subtext carry the weight of the story. By focusing on directness and economy of language, you can emulate his signature style, which emphasizes that what is left out of a story is often as important as what is included.
Writing well requires a balance of both technical skill and creative passion. While passion provides the initial spark and emotional depth for a story, mastering writing techniques—such as those used by the greats—provides the necessary framework to communicate those ideas effectively. Learning the discipline of structure, grammar, and pacing allows your passion to be channeled into a coherent narrative that resonates with an audience, much like the works of the literary masters.
Jane Austen is a master of social commentary, irony, and character interiority. By studying her work, modern writers can learn how to use dialogue and subtle observations to reveal deep truths about human nature and society. Her ability to weave intricate plots within a confined social setting demonstrates that great writing doesn't always require grand spectacles; instead, it relies on sharp wit and a profound understanding of how people interact with one another.
Discover more
Classic literature
Classic literature
Classic literature forms the foundation of modern storytelling and continues to offer unparalleled insights into human nature, society, and morality. This learning plan is ideal for readers who want to move beyond surface-level reading, building the analytical skills and cultural literacy to engage deeply with the world's most influential literary works across British, Russian, and modernist traditions.
Architecture history
Architecture history
This plan offers a comprehensive overview of how human structures have evolved from sacred monuments to functional modern spaces. It is ideal for aspiring designers, history buffs, or anyone curious about how the built environment shapes our daily lives.
Study Ancient Architecture
Study Ancient Architecture
This learning plan is essential for aspiring architects, historians, or travelers who want to decode the built environment of the past. It provides a deep dive into how ancient structural innovations paved the way for modern engineering and cultural expression.
classic christian authors
classic christian authors
This plan offers a comprehensive journey through the minds that built the Christian tradition, from ancient architects to modern apologists. It is ideal for students of history, theology, or personal faith seeking to ground their understanding in time-tested wisdom.
Storytelling
Storytelling
In an information-dense world, the ability to craft a narrative that resonates is a critical professional advantage. This plan is designed for writers, business leaders, and creatives who want to move beyond basic plots to master the architecture of emotional connection.
Masonry
Masonry
This plan bridges the gap between ancient craftsmanship and modern engineering, making it essential for aspiring builders and architects. It provides a comprehensive path from foundational structural principles to advanced, innovative applications in the field.
Master Writing: Stories, Novels & Vocabulary
Master Writing: Stories, Novels & Vocabulary
This comprehensive learning plan is designed for aspiring authors who want to bridge the gap between creative inspiration and professional execution. It provides a structured roadmap for mastering everything from character psychology to long-form structural integrity, making it ideal for anyone serious about publishing a novel.
Character development
Character development
This plan is essential for writers looking to move beyond tropes and create deeply resonant, human-centric stories. It is ideal for novelists, screenwriters, and storytellers who want to master the intersection of psychology and narrative structure.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
