Friend of the blog Mike posted a fine list of blogging ideas last month. This was in response to a similar post of mine. And here I am now, inspired to write a post, from a post that was inspired by mine. And the idea I’ve been inspired by is to reflect on the nature of writing prompts. This makes this either an incredibly neat and apt post or a bit indulgent and inward-looking. Probably a bit of all of the above. Read the rest of this entry »
As one of those (annoying) people who seems to prefer reading about writing to actual writing (1) I found myself reading this rather exhaustive essay about the writer and editor Gordon Lish. The author collates examples of Lish’s recommendations, thoughts and teachings on how to write, organising them into a coherent methodology for writing Lish-style.
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There was a fascinating interview with the author Lee Rourke published today. One response is worth quoting at length: Read the rest of this entry »
I do like a good manifesto. There is something pretty powerful about a clear declaration of intent. There is something almost grandiose about a manifesto that you don’t get from a simple resolution, or pledge or plan of action. They seem innately ambitious, and equally doomed to fail, as nobody ever really can achieve the ideal, whatever that ideal might be. Read the rest of this entry »
Here’s something interesting for you – the BBC transcript to be used in the event of a nuclear attack, that would have most likely been used if the bomb had been dropped on Britain in the seventies or eighties. It is chilling stuff, but also pretty sensible advice. I guess clarity, authority and calm would be of utmost importance, in the circumstances. Read the rest of this entry »
Wait until next year 