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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Monday, October 7, 2024

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë | Novel and Foreword

 



Wuthering Heights


by Emily Brontë


Foreword


"Wuthering Heights," published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, is a novel that challenges the boundaries of conventional storytelling and remains a cornerstone of English literature. Emily Brontë's only novel, it is an audacious exploration of passion, revenge, and the profound connection between humans and the wild, untamed landscape of the Yorkshire moors.

At its core, "Wuthering Heights" tells the tumultuous tale of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, whose intense love story is marked by both ecstasy and tragedy. Their relationship is a powerful force that shapes the lives of everyone around them, illustrating the complexities of love and the destructive nature of obsession. Brontë’s portrayal of their tumultuous bond is raw and visceral, transcending the romantic conventions of her time to delve into darker themes of social class, isolation, and the consequences of vengeance.

The novel's structure, with its intricate narrative framework and multiple perspectives, invites readers to engage deeply with its characters and their motivations. Brontë's use of a framed narrative—where the story is recounted by Mr. Lockwood and Nelly Dean—adds layers of complexity, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of truth and interpretation. This innovative approach challenges readers to navigate the blurred lines between love and hate, sanity and madness, as they journey through the lives of the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange.

Emily Brontë's prose is both poetic and haunting, capturing the wild beauty of the moors and reflecting the tempestuous emotions of her characters. Her ability to evoke the elemental forces of nature serves as a backdrop to the passionate, often destructive relationships that unfold within the story. The moors themselves become a character, symbolizing both the freedom and the isolation that define the lives of Heathcliff and Catherine.

"Wuthering Heights" defies categorization, blending elements of gothic fiction with a profound psychological depth. It invites readers to confront the darker aspects of love and human nature, raising questions about identity, social constraints, and the enduring power of the past. It is a novel that resonates across generations, challenging us to reflect on our own passions and the complexities of our connections with others.

As we immerse ourselves in the world of "Wuthering Heights," we are reminded of the raw, untamed nature of human emotion and the relentless forces that shape our lives. Emily Brontë’s masterwork is not merely a story of love; it is a powerful exploration of the human experience, urging us to confront our deepest desires and fears. 

May this journey through the moors of Wuthering Heights ignite within you a passion for literature as fierce and enduring as the love it portrays.

Olivia Salter
10/08/2024

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