Read Like A Writer

There are two ways to learn how to write fiction: by reading it and by writing it. Yes, you can learn lots about writing stories in workshops, in writing classes and writing groups, at writers' conferences. You can learn technique and process by reading the dozens of books like this one on fiction writing and by reading articles in writers' magazines. But the best teachers of fiction are the great works of fiction themselves. You can learn more about the structure of a short story by reading Anton Chekhov's 'Heartache' than you can in a semester of Creative Writing 101. If you read like a writer, that is, which means you have to read everything twice, at least. When you read a story or novel the first time, just let it happen. Enjoy the journey. When you've finished, you know where the story took you, and now you can go back and reread, and this time notice how the writer reached that destination. Notice the choices he made at each chapter, each sentence, each word. (Every word is a choice.) You see now how the transitions work, how a character gets across a room. All this time you're learning. You loved the central character in the story, and now you can see how the writer presented the character and rendered her worthy of your love and attention. The first reading is creative—you collaborate with the writer in making the story. The second reading is critical.


John Dufresne, from his book, The Lie That Tells A Truth: A Guide to Writing Fiction

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Wednesday, May 31, 2023

The Call of the Blood by Robert Hichens

The Call of the Blood by Robert Hichens

The Call of the Blood 

 

by Robert Hichens

 

 Summary by Olivia Salter


The Call of the Blood by Robert Hichens is a novel published in 1911. It is a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge with a deep exploration of human nature. The novel tells the story of Michael Arranstoun, a wealthy Scottish landowner, and his obsession with his son's wife, Sheila.

The novel is set in the Scottish Highlands in the early 20th century. Michael is a proud and powerful man who is deeply attached to the land he inherited from his ancestors. But when his son marries a beautiful young woman, Sheila, he finds himself drawn to her in a way that he cannot control.

Sheila is a young and innocent girl who falls in love with Michael's son, but soon realizes that he is not the man she thought he was. She turns to Michael for comfort and support, but he takes advantage of her vulnerability and seduces her. Sheila becomes pregnant with Michael's child, leading to a series of events that change the course of their lives.

The novel explores the theme of the "call of the blood," which refers to the primal instincts that drive us towards our desires, regardless of social norms or moral values. Michael is driven by his love for Sheila, which he believes is his birthright as a powerful landowner. Sheila is torn between her love for Michael's son and her growing attraction towards Michael himself.

The characters in the novel are well-drawn and complex, with their motivations and desires driving the plot forward. Michael is a man who is driven by his passion for the land and his family, but also by his desire for Sheila. Sheila is a young girl who is forced to navigate the complexities of a family she has married into, while dealing with her own desires and ambitions.

The novel is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape and the emotions of the characters. The story is tightly woven and suspenseful, with a sense of inevitability as the characters' actions lead towards a tragic end.

In conclusion, The Call of the Blood is a gripping novel that explores the complexities of human nature and the power of desire. Robert Hichens expertly weaves together the themes of love, betrayal, and revenge to create a powerful story that keeps readers engaged to the very end. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

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About the Author 

Robert Hichens
Robert Hichens (Robert Smythe Hichens, 14 November 1864 – 20 July 1950) was an English journalist, novelist, music lyricist, short story writer, music critic and collaborated on successful plays. He is best remembered as a satirist of the "Naughty Nineties". Wikipedia

Robert Hichens books at Amazon

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