Move me, Tuesday
A favorite teacher of mine once told me that good writers, memorable writers must do three things:
1) Read
2) Live
3) Write (no matter what)
He told me many other things, valuable things, but I was in college and had important things on my mind beyond surviving his class, such as racing for the corner pub immediately after where I could drink Pepsi, eat greasy pizza and wait for the happy hour crowd. (What? It was all in the name of research. Honest. There was a lot to learn – to experience – in that corner pub.)
While I tried and still do try to experience life and write no matter what (a-hem…Write Anyway, anyone?) as my teacher instructed, I am quite sure “read” was first for a reason. Just look at the excerpt of Alice McDermott’s After This: A Novel. The prose is palpable because the verbs are so visible and vibrant. The language she uses is not overly sophisticated; I did not find too many $5 words in the excerpt. But verbs like rush, rattle, bent, flapping, squinting reach from the page and slap the reader across the face, then quietly tell the story. It is memorable. It moves the reader. At least, it moved me.
I am not suggesting one duplicate McDermott’s style, but it is important to learn from it. And while I have not read this entire novel (I will get to it), as a writer it is important to read other works in order to improve.
What have you read lately that inspires you – or moves you to be a better writer?
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move me, writing, examples, Alice McDermott, After This: A Novel,
March 28th, 2007 at 8:51 am
I actually read Bram Stoker’s Dracula (I know.. who hasn’t seen the movies) but it actually gave me a great idea and wonderful inspiration. The way he wrote it, the style (Journals and letters telling the story) got to me and I ended up writing my first novel. (Ok its in editing phases) A series of letters to tell a story. I love it when a book can move you to try something different!
March 28th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Oooh! Good one! Inspiration can come from so many different places, if we are just aware and receptive.
Are you close to “publishing”? (You are far braver than I!)
March 29th, 2007 at 12:49 am
Dont consider me brave! It sits on my computer and one copy on my book shelf. I haven’t done anything with it except have someone give me an idea about editing, how much and what it would look like after.. I fear the red pen now just like i did in school!
When finances allow I will get it edited and from there published. Need to get over that hump though.. the red pen!
March 29th, 2007 at 11:01 am
The “red pen” is a common fear. I always hated when people bled all over my words - and I hated it more when I had to do it to someone elses work. Don’t give up, tho. You’ll get there!