Films need plots
Good writing advice.
A friend, Tia, gave me this link to a blog on Grammarly by Joanna Cutrara. It is a really neat summary in 5 points of what you must have to be a good story teller, whatever your creative field.
Emotional truth, says George R.R. Martin – I say that otherwise you are writing for psychopaths and robots.
Good editors,says Kendrick Lamar – yes, essential I agree, but they do also need to earn a living and editing is hard work. They must be paid somehow! Thank you Emma Darwin (see below) and Cornerstones Literary Agency.
Share your perspective, says Hannah Gadsby – I say that you can only write a good book if it has some of your own blood and bones in it. It’s only by “fleshing” out a story from inside you that you give the reader something new. Books written just to make money will often disappoint readers.
The value of a theme, says Lisa Joy – and I note a theme is evident in The Little Drummer Girl but subtly done. As a poet I love thematic writing – the symmetry in asymmetry! Look for themes in your favourite novels.
Managing your creative life, says Issa Rae – Oh yeah, I say, this is difficult especially once you get into marketing your writing. I have to set aside writing time in monthly blocks, but exclude December!
There are two authors I follow who post excellent and useful blogs about how to write:-
Emma Darwin covers every aspect of novel writing and you will find comprehensive help on her blog, This Itch of Writing. I am grateful to Emma for her help with my book The Tin Heart Gold Mine. I look forward to reading This is not a book about Charles Darwin.
Claire Fuller has recently done a very good blogpost about what makes a good short story. I feel inspired to write one again myself. I was stunned by her book, Our Endless Numbered Days and really enjoyed Swimming Lessons too. Claire’s new book, Bitter Orange comes recommended by Stephen Bush who, recently, was a judge on the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction.
Disability and Difference
By the way I have been able to add another link to a previous post about Gabriel Ellison – it is an article about her beautiful stamp designs.