Rumer Godden, author of Black Narcissus
When my last novel was published, I received from the publicity department one of those biographical questionnaires sent to authors these days. Some of the questions were impertinent, especially, I thought, the last: “What makes you feel your books are different from other peoples’?” I did not have to ponder over this because there is really only one answer: “What makes my books different? They are written by me.” Every author ought to be able to say that. – Rumer Godden
What do you try to bring to your books that is different?
“With every sentence you write, you have learned something. It has stretched your understanding. I know that. Even if I knew for certain that I would never have anything published again, [or] would never make another cent from it, I would keep on writing.” – Brenda Ueland, If You Want to Write
Would you?
NOTE: This was one of the books I read early in my writing journey, and found it inspiring. As of this writing the Kindle version is just 49¢.
An Englishman met Mark Twain on a train and abruptly said, “Mr. Clemens, I would give ten pounds not of have read your ‘Huckleberry Finn!’ ” Twain raised his eyebrows, awaiting an explanation. The Englishman smiled, and added, “So that I could have again the great pleasure of reading it for the first time.”
What book would you like to be able to read again—for the first time?
It’s always fun to catch up, and we haven’t done one of these for a while, so…
What are you reading?
Fiction or nonfiction?
Genre?
What are you enjoying most about the book?
I’m deep into HOLLOW KINGDOM by Kira Jane Buxton. Normally, I steer clear from Apocalypse type novels. I’ve never even watched an episode of the Walking Dead. What attracted me to this funny, off-beat, heartwarming story was not the cover, or blurb, or industry praise. It’s narrated by a crow. Brilliant!
Reader Friday: Glitches Happen
We all deal with typos, but there are some words where our fingers have minds of their own.
For me, I’m forever typing thing instead of think. And I’m constantly leaving out question marks.
Then, there are the words you can’t remember to spell—and even worse when you’re so far off the Spell Checker has no suggestions. For me, it’s bureaucrat and all its variations.
How about you? Recurring typos? Words you can’t spell? (Please don’t tell me you never have these glitches.)
Reader Friday: Tense and Person
I’m seeing more and more books written in present tense. Do you like it? Why or why not?
Does it matter whether it’s first or third person?
Terry Odell is an award-winning author of Mystery and Romantic Suspense, although she prefers to think of them all as “Mysteries with Relationships.”
I tell would-be writers that there are three things to forget about. First, talent. I used to worry that I had no talent, and it compelled me to work harder. Second, inspiration. Habit will serve you a lot better. And third, imagination. Don’t worry, you have it. — Octavia Butler
