Alexei Sayle, said that writing is a megalomaniac’s art form, because you control the whole process yourself. My own experience is that sometimes the writing takes over the writer. Very spooky.
Jeanette Winterson is an author whose style I much admire. On the topic of plots, she cited Shakespeare as never having invented a plot; rather he worked on pre-existing material and then used his imagination. I guess he was one of the originals.
Maeve Binchy said that she was proud to be called an airport novelist. she meant that it was great that people should want to read her books as companions on a journey.
She is certainly someone who uses characterisation to excellent effect. Her potted biographies of characters are excellent.
From Helen Dunmore, historical novelist.
You have to think, what would it be like, to be in that place, at that time. It’s about little things. Things like, what does the air smell like?
Anniversary greetings to Him Behind the Wheel.
And me too, of course
It was Clive James who said, “Well you have to sweat a lot to make writing look effortless.”
My trouble is that I am a compulsive writer: that includes blogging, journalling and re-starting endless short stories and novels. But I am not all that disciplined. So my intention is to start being real about the research, the grammar and the vocabulary as well as the plot. That means I need to read lots of books. Lovely. However, I have managed to complete Assignment 8 in my creative writing course. (Only a year since the last one…..ho hum….)
So the midgies in Scotland are suffering. Good.
In case you haven’t heard, the dry, hot summer has not been good for breeding.
Oh what joy!
So Andy Murray won against Roger Federer in yesterday’s Master’s. Why is it that when Scotland gets a top player in tennis, I find it somehow very difficult to warm to him? I am delighted by his win, of course, and wish him well. But what a difference from Monty Panesar……..I shall be watching the box avidly to enjoy his magical spin-bowling today in the last of the current Test against Pakistan. And he manages to come across as likeable and enthusiastic in interviews.
Addicted to sport? Nonsense – just taking advantage of the excuse to do very little.
Felt a bit under par today, but a gentle walk with the dog helped to sort me out. She teaches me to enjoy the moment. Today it was a case of revelling in the river walk and meadow full of lesser knapweed, together with a flock of Peacock butterflies.
Have a look at this picture – from Him Behind the Wheel.
He obviously has hidden talents.
