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Talk Write

Talk Write

By: Brandon Cook
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 Daily updates about what makes great writing great.

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Episodes
  • Think Before You Swear: And Other Heavenly Advice

    Think Before You Swear: And Other Heavenly Advice
    Jul 4 2025

    In today’s canto, Beatrice finishes her discourse on the will. Take vows seriously! You’re offering up nothing less than your freedom to God; sacrifice that, and you tear the terms of the covenant. That being said, “like an arrow driven with such might it strikes its mark before the string is still” Beatrice and Dante rocket up to the second rung of Paradise, Mercury, where a blessed soul soon makes itself known…Trans. John Ciardi



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    18 mins
  • How to Prepare the Perfect Will

    How to Prepare the Perfect Will
    Jul 3 2025

    In today’s canto, Dante asks how is it that Picccarda Donati, whose vow was broken through no fault of her own, could still be punished. Beatrice is on hand to explain things: a will broken through outside interference is still a will unperfected. Want to see a will in perfect alignment with God? Look to Father Lawrence, Bishop of Rome, martyred by slow roasting over an open fire. Divine justice is perfect indeed, but that makes it no less difficult a pill to swallow. Trans. John Ciardi



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    18 mins
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