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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Saturday, October 28, 2023

Children of men by Eden Phillpotts

Children of men by Eden Phillpotts

 

CHILDREN OF MEN


BY

EDEN PHILLPOTTS

AUTHOR OF "EUDOCIA," "BRUNEL'S TOWER," ETC.



LONDON
WILLIAM HEINEMANN LTD.




First Published, 1923


PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY WOODS & SONS, LTD., LONDON W.1.

 

 
Foreword by Olivia Salter

In the annals of dystopian literature, few tales possess the stark and haunting quality found within the pages of "Children of Men." Written by the esteemed Eden Phillpotts, this masterpiece stands as a testament to the power of imagination and the depths of human despair.

Originally published in 1932, "Children of Men" immerses readers in a world devoid of hope, where the future hangs precariously by a thin thread. Phillpotts brings forth a glimpse of a future where the unimaginable has become a chilling reality. In this desolate landscape, humanity faces an unfathomable crisis—no child has been born in over two decades.

The narrative unfolds with a sense of relentless urgency as the weight of the world rests on the shoulders of Dr. Hillary Breen, our reluctant protagonist. Believing there may still be a glimmer of hope buried beneath the burdens of a broken society, Dr. Breen embarks on a treacherous journey that will test his faith, resilience, and understanding of the human spirit.

In Phillpotts' deft hands, "Children of Men" unveils a meticulously crafted vision of a society on the brink of collapse. Poverty, political turmoil, and environmental degradation cast a shadow over every aspect of life. Within this bleakness, we find ourselves grappling with profound existential questions: What does it mean to be human? How can love and hope endure amid such darkness? Can humanity find redemption in the face of its own impending extinction?

As you turn the pages of this gripping tale, you will be immersed in a world that feels eerily familiar yet shockingly distant. Phillpotts' writing possesses a vividness that will transport you to the heart of this dystopian landscape, feeling the anguish of a world where the future appears to have vanished.

"Children of Men" transcends the boundaries of time and place, resonating with readers across generations. Its ever-relevant themes challenge us to confront the precarious nature of our own society, reminding us that the future is never a certainty. Through the lens of fiction, Phillipotts paints a harrowing portrait of a future that should serve as a stark warning to us all, urging us to recognize our capacity for both destruction and renewal.

It is with great delight and reverence that we present this edition of "Children of Men," inviting you to embark on a journey of introspection. Eden Phillpotts weaves a gripping narrative that remains etched in the mind long after the last page is turned. Within these pages, we find not only a cautionary tale but also a profound exploration of the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.

So, dear reader, open your heart and mind and step into the world of "Children of Men," where the shadows of despair might just reveal the flicker of hope that lies within us all.

Olivia Salter

10/28/2023


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