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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Sunday, September 17, 2023

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, Forward by Olivia Salter (Video)

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe Forward, by Olivia Salter

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

 

Forward by Olivia Salter 

 

(eText)

 

Forward

In the realm of gothic literature and macabre poetry, few figures have captivated readers and delved into the endless depths of human despair quite like Edgar Allan Poe. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Poe's works continue to resonate with audiences, churning emotions of fear and fascination in equal measure. Among his numerous masterpieces, "The Raven" holds a special place as it perfectly captures Poe's ability to navigate the sinister realms of the human psyche.

First published in 1845 "The Raven" stands as a testament to Poe's unique brilliance as a poet and storyteller. With its haunting rhythm, vivid imagery, and melancholic tone, the poem has become a classic, imprinting itself deeply within the annals of literature. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the universally relatable themes it explores: grief, loss, and the human longing for answers in the face of immovable despair.

In "The Raven," Poe introduces us to a narrator whose grief over the loss of his beloved Lenore drives him to the brink of madness. As he wrestles with his own tormented thoughts a mysterious raven appears at his chamber door its presence a haunting symbol of the narrator's internal anguish and unending sorrow. Through the narrator's interactions with the raven, Poe exposes the fragility of the human mind and its desperate desire for solace and meaning.

Poe's skill in crafting atmosphere and evoking emotions is unparalleled. He weaves a captivating spell, drawing his readers deep into the narrator's world until we too feel the weight of his sorrow and the undying torment of the raven's relentless croak, "Nevermore." With every line, Poe masterfully builds tension, leading us through a labyrinth of darkness and despair, leaving us haunted long after the final verse.

As we immerse ourselves in the haunting verses of "The Raven," we enter a realm where reality merges with the supernatural and the boundaries between life and death blur. Poe compels us to confront our own mortality and grapple with the specters of grief that lurk within us all. Through the universal language of poetry, he invites us to confront our deepest fears, engage with our inner demons, and ponder the mysteries that lie beyond mortal understanding.

In this edition of "The Raven," we invite you to embark on a journey through the haunting corridors of Edgar Allan Poe's imagination. Allow yourself to be captivated, unsettled, and perhaps transformed by the power of his words. As you delve into the verses, prepare to be immersed in an experience that transcends time and space, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

May you confront the raven within and emerge with a renewed appreciation for the eternal beauty and darkness that reside in the human condition.

Olivia Salter

09/17/2023




About the Author 

Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe (/poʊ/; né Edgar Poe; January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic who is best known for his poetry and short stories, particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre. He is widely regarded as a central figure of Romanticism in the United States, and of American literature. He was one of the country's earliest practitioners of the short story, and is considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre, as well as a significant contributor to the emerging genre of science fiction. He is the first well-known American writer to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career. Wikipedia

Edgar Allan Poe at Amazon

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