The Write Place
Here you will find everything to do with writing, whether it is my writing or what I'm learning from reading books on writing. Reading, vocabulary, and grammar are the tools of the trade. The very best people to learn from are the ones who are seasoned writers who teach writing. You would be wise to enlist them as your mentors, as I have.
- In: The Write Place
In this interview when Truman Capote was 42, right before "In Cold Blood" was published, Capote is excited about this new kind of book, the "non-fiction novel."
Born in 1924 to his 16 year old mother, a restless and intelligent spirit, at 18 his mother went to college. By the time she graduated his parents were divorced and he was sent to live with his elderly uncle and three elderly ladies. It was a lonely life in a remote part of Alabama but it was here that he became interested in writing. When he left school at 17, he went right to work in the art department at the New Yorker (painting was also a deep interest).
- In: The Write Place
For a time, Steinbeck lived and worked with migrant workers from Oklahoma and California. The result was "The Grapes of Wrath" and a Pulitzer Prize. These words of wisdom are from a letter he published in 1963.
- In: The Write Place
Taken from a question and answer session at the University of Oregon, the author shares his insights into the life of a writer.
Faulkner feels that his job as a writer is to write what he believes and express it in the best way that he can. And when he's finished, he hopes it is expressed in a way that everyone can understand and derive some benefit from it.
He believes that you need to wait before making changes. You will get to a point where you realize this is the best you can do. And if it still fails to express what you are striving for and is not good enough, then you must decide if there is enough there to make it worth finishing.
- In: The Write Place
Although most of her books are marketed for children L'Engle says she does not write for children - she writes for herself. I love this because I also write for myself, even laughing sometimes while writing because I find the stories that come to me are so entertaining. And it is always good to know you aren't alone. I'm always hearing "find your audience" but whether or not anyone else enjoys my writing, I know I do and that is what makes me happy. And in the end, isn't that what it's all about? Finding your joy?
Although many authors do receive kudos and instant fame and fortune with their first novel, L'Engle didn't receive any recognition until she wrote "A Wrinkle in Time", her 11th book. I know that certainly gives me hope, now working on my 4th book.
- In: The Write Place
Is there such a thing? In a couple of years I had written three books. While writing these books (one is a non-fiction so I am talking only about the fiction books that I wrote), I have been so excited about the creative process and the ideas that have swarmed my brain to give me the two creative stories that I have written. One is a middle-grade book and the other is a children’s picture book. Since I am a fine artist as well as a writer, I was thrilled about the idea that came to me to combine my writing with my skills as an artist. And to my muse who dictated these stories to me, I will be forever grateful.