Comments on: Creative Writing

By: SMD

SMD — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 23:23:11 +0000

Great post indeed. I just re-read it and I have to argue with you one one point.
I think if the writing is very good and we as the readers like it, we often do care that it took someone a long time to get it right. Tolkien took 12 years, probably more, getting Lord of the Rings off the floor, and he even completely rewrote the thing from start to finish several times. He was known to start, and if he got stuck, he trashed it and started over. And yet he has captivated fantasy readers for decades because of his brilliance–though probably not really for his writing style.
So, if you were to take 10 years to write a short story, but it turned out to be fantastic, then I would be interested to know that it took you so long to do it.

On the other hand, this might just be a personal preference…

By: jem

jem — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:52:06 +0000

A great post Gav. Many thanks for so many recommendations. I’ve read ‘Writing Down the Bones’, but I think some of these sound perfect kick starts for those dry days. I’ll be adding quite a few to my wishlist.

I also enjoyed your discussion about what creative writing is. For me its about finding unique and artistically striking ways to communicate with others. Although based on your last post, I’ll stay content with writing as a hobby and not hope to make my fortune by it!

By: gav

gav — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 22:04:27 +0000

I’ve picked How to Write Science Fiction a couple of times but I might have to actually get it next time. Thanks for that.

Oh I do agree about Bird by Bird especially when Anne explains the origin of the title.

Thanks both.

By: Jonathan Main

Jonathan Main — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:03:43 +0000

I would also suggest Bird by Bird - some instructions on writing and life, by Anne Lamott.

By: SMD

SMD — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:20:44 +0000

Perhaps a book that might come of use to some of your SF/F readers who also write is How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card. The name of the book is really rather stupid, unfortunately, but I found it to be one of the most informative and inspirational books on genre writing to be released. He talks about his writing, about his failures and successes, and about the general feel of SF & F and what you need to be aware of when writing it. It’s really good.