The first of our “how-to” episodes, this week we’re discussing that daunting beast, the novel! How do writers know what to write about? What does the writing process look like? And once you’ve finished the thing, how do you get it out into the world?
Our interview today features Cindy Zhe Chen, M.A., a graduate from the University of Windsor’s Creative Writing program and novelist!
Cindy’s book, White Anemone, can be accessed at http://scholar.uwindsor.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6230&context=etd
Stephen King’s book On Writing talks about the writing process in a way that is open, engaging, and at times hilarious.
For 20 writing tips from Stephen King, check out this Barnes and Noble blog post!
Khaled Hosseini told The Atlantic during an interview that “Everyone is an ocean inside. Every individual walking the street. Everyone is a universe of thoughts, and insights, and feelings. But every person is crippled in his or her own way by our inability to truly present ourselves to the world.” Writers try to capture that “ocean inside,” by observing, writing, refining.
“It seems miraculous, doesn’t it? That somebody can articulate something clearly and beautifully that exists inside you, something shrouded in impenetrable fog. Great art reaches through the fog, towards this secret heart—and it shows it to you, holds it before you.”
Zadie Smith is an accomplished British writer who uses polyphonic (multiple voiced) methods to explore modern day life. She is also a critic and professor.
“Protect the time and space in which you write. Keep everybody away from it, even the people who are most important to you.”
Part of developing a good story is developing interesting characters. Writing exercises in observation and character development can be helpful in creating complex and unique people that readers will want to read about.
National Novel Writing Month is in November, but you can sign up to write your novel in a month anytime of the year!
Some great writing tips from The Guardian! One of which is to make writing a daily habit: setting aside time every day can make a world of difference in your writing!
Today’s harmonica segment: Your character walks in on their friend painting a goldfish. What happens next? You can tweet us the link or your very very short story @hardcoverradio!
Thanks for listening!
Recent Comments
June 19, 2017
May 8, 2017
May 2, 2017
April 24, 2017