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, October 6, 2024

Middlemarch by George Eliot

 



 Middlemarch


by George Eliot


Foreword

"Middlemarch," a novel published in 1871-1872, stands as one of the most significant works in the canon of English literature. Written by the brilliant George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, this masterpiece transcends the boundaries of its time, offering profound insights into the human condition, society, and the intricate dynamics of personal relationships. 

Set in a fictional English town during the early 1830s, "Middlemarch" explores the lives of its inhabitants, weaving together their ambitions, disappointments, and moral dilemmas. Eliot’s keen observations and remarkable characterizations reveal not only the aspirations and struggles of her characters but also the broader societal changes occurring during the period, including the rise of political reform and the evolving roles of women.

What makes "Middlemarch" truly exceptional is its rich tapestry of interconnected stories. Eliot deftly navigates the lives of an array of characters, each representing different facets of society, from idealistic reformers to ambitious women seeking autonomy. Through their journeys, readers are invited to reflect on the nature of progress, the complexity of human desires, and the often-unforeseen consequences of our choices.

Eliot's prose is celebrated for its depth and clarity, allowing for both intellectual engagement and emotional resonance. She employs a narrative style that balances the philosophical with the personal, encouraging readers to ponder the moral implications of their own lives while becoming fully immersed in the lives of her characters.

As we delve into "Middlemarch," we are reminded of the timeless relevance of its themes. The struggles for identity, love, and social justice continue to echo in our contemporary world, making Eliot's insights as poignant today as they were over a century ago. 

In this novel, Eliot not only crafts a rich historical narrative but also invites us to examine our own lives and the society we inhabit. "Middlemarch" is a profound exploration of what it means to live thoughtfully and to strive for meaning in a complex world. It is a journey well worth taking, and as we turn its pages, may we find in its reflections both inspiration and a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.


Olivia Salter

10/07/2024



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