It’s Thursday. Ever wondered if your writing is resonating with readers or falling flat?

Meet Anthony Bourdain, the celebrity chef who secretly tested his raw, unfiltered voice on Reddit.

In this edition:

• Anthony Bourdain’s secret diary

• How to be authentic and vulnerable

• Using Reddit to test your voice

Read time: 5 minutes | 1,183 words

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HABITS 

🥋Anthony Bourdain’s Secret Jiu Jitsu Journal

Anthony Bourdain was known for his raw, unfiltered writing style that brought readers into the gritty world of professional kitchens and far-flung cultures.

But perhaps his most authentic writing was done anonymously on Reddit, where he posted about his newfound passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the username NooYawkCity.

These posts offer valuable lessons for writers looking to hone their craft and find their voice.

1. Write for yourself first

Bourdain's Reddit posts weren't meant for publication or a wide audience. He was writing simply to express himself and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.

This freedom allowed his true voice to shine through without the pressure of editors or audience expectations.

As he put it in one post: "I don't know. I'm like a dope fiend at this point. If I can't train I start going into withdrawal. Wander around, twitching, restless and pissed off."

This raw honesty and vulnerability can be hard to achieve when writing for publication, but it's what makes writing truly resonate with readers.

2. Use vivid, sensory details

Bourdain's talent for description is on full display in his Reddit posts. He brings readers right into the moment with him, using all five senses to paint a vivid picture:

"Jabba The Wrestler has been eating at Subway. I can smell rancid, sour, pre-sliced onions on his breath, which, sadly does little to mask the horrifying miasma of swamp ass rising from his sweaty thighs."

These visceral details make the writing come alive, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

3. Don't shy away from difficult topics

Bourdain was known for tackling heavy subjects in his work, and his Reddit posts are no exception. He writes candidly about aging, addiction, and the physical toll of his new passion:

"For over 40 years, my life pretty much revolved around drugs. Booze and cigarettes almost the background music to my drugs of choice (heroin and cocaine)."

By addressing these topics head-on, Bourdain creates a sense of authenticity and connection with his readers.

4. Use humor to balance out the heavy stuff

While Bourdain doesn't shy away from difficult subjects, he also knows how to use humor to keep things from getting too dark. His self-deprecating wit is on full display in posts like this one:

"I'm in shit shape, gas early, and of course, hurt like hell after training. Given the limits of any reasonable expectations, am I out of my fucking mind?"

This balance of heavy and light keeps readers engaged and prevents the writing from becoming too oppressive.

5. Find fresh angles on familiar topics

Bourdain's posts about jiu-jitsu offer a unique perspective on a topic that's been covered extensively. By focusing on his experience as an older beginner, he finds a fresh angle that sets his writing apart:

"I know I will never be young again. I am well aware that I'm only getting slower, more fragile over time. That I will probably never live to see black belt or win any competitions. But I'm pretty sure I will suck a little bit less every month."

This approach demonstrates how writers can find new ways to explore well-trodden subjects.

6. Embrace your obsessions

Bourdain's passion for jiu-jitsu is evident in every post. He doesn't hold back in expressing how all-consuming this new hobby has become:

"Now it's an obsession. [...] When I talk about BJJ, Old friends look at me like I have an arm growing out of my forehead. But I Won't stop. Can't stop."

This level of enthusiasm is contagious, drawing readers in and making them care about the subject as much as the writer does.

7. Be consistent in your voice

Whether writing for millions of readers or anonymously on Reddit, Bourdain's distinctive voice comes through. His blend of self-deprecating humor, vivid description, and no-holds-barred honesty is consistent across all his writing:

"After training, I feel like a rented and unloved mule."

This consistency helps build trust with readers and creates a strong, recognizable brand, even when using a pen name.

• NooYawkCity = Anthony Bourdain

• Samuel Clemens = Mark Twain

• Richard Bachman = Stephen King

• Mary Westmacott = Agatha Christie

• Robert Galbraith = J.K. Rowling

• Charles Dodgson = Lewis Carroll

Anthony Bourdain's secret Reddit diary offers valuable lessons for writers at all stages of their careers. By writing authentically, embracing vulnerability, and focusing on vivid details, writers can create work that resonates deeply with readers.

Bourdain's posts remind us that great writing can happen anywhere – even anonymously on an internet forum – when we approach our craft with passion, honesty, and a willingness to share our true selves.

Go Deeper: Anthony Bourdain publicly shares his blue belt experience.

MARKETING 

Authentic + Niche + Vulnerability = NooYawkCity

Anthony Bourdain's Reddit posts offer valuable marketing insights:

Authenticity Resonates. Bourdain's unfiltered writing created strong connections: "I'm in shit shape, gas early, and of course, hurt like hell after training."

• Show behind-the-scenes processes

• Admit mistakes

• Use real employees or customers in content

• Example: Airbnb's "Made Possible by Hosts" campaign

Niche Communities Matter. Bourdain found a passionate audience in a specific jiu-jitsu forum.

• Engage with communities related to products or values

• Create specialized content

• Develop products for specific audiences

• Example: Red Bull's marketing to extreme sports communities

Embrace Vulnerability. Bourdain openly discussed challenges, including addiction history.

• Share stories of challenges

• Be transparent about processes

• Show the human side of the business

• Example: Patagonia's openness about environmental impact

Key takeaway: Prioritizing authenticity, engaging niche communities, and embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections with audiences, stronger brand loyalty, and more engaged readers.

TACTICAL 

Anonymous Idea Testing for Writers: The Bourdain Method

Inspired by Anthony Bourdain's secret Reddit posts, here's how authors can anonymously test their ideas:

1. Create an Anonymous Profile

   • Choose a platform (Reddit, Twitter, Medium)

   • Use a unique username and separate email

2. Find Relevant Communities

   • Search for groups related to your genre/topic

   • Observe community rules before posting

3. Share Small Excerpts

   • Post ideas or short passages, not full works

   • Be authentic in your writing and interactions

4. Engage and Analyze

   • Respond to comments and questions

   • Note which ideas get the most positive engagement

5. Iterate Based on Feedback

   • Refine your ideas using community responses

   • Test different styles or story elements

Focus on learning and improving, not marketing. Maintain anonymity by avoiding personal details.

Go Deeper: Writer and Artist Nathan Pyle is a master at this very idea.

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