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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Showing posts with label Waldo Frank. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Waldo Frank. Show all posts

Saturday, June 8, 2024

The Dark Mother by Waldo Frank, Foreword by Olivia Salter

 

 

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FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER


"The Dark Mother" by Waldo Frank is a powerful and poignant exploration of the complexities of motherhood, womanhood, and societal expectations. Through the lens of the protagonist, Maria, Frank delves into the struggles and triumphs of a woman navigating her way through a world that seeks to confine and define her.

Frank's prose is haunting and evocative, drawing readers into the heart and mind of Maria as she grapples with her identity, her desires, and her role as a mother. Set against the backdrop of a changing world, "The Dark Mother" is a timeless tale that resonates with readers today as much as it did when it was first published.

As we follow Maria on her journey of self-discovery and empowerment, we are reminded of the power and resilience of women and the importance of embracing our true selves in the face of societal pressures. Frank's exploration of themes such as motherhood, femininity, and liberation makes "The Dark Mother" a compelling and thought-provoking read that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.

In a world that often seeks to silence and overshadow the voices of women, "The Dark Mother" is a vital reminder of the strength and beauty that lie within each of us. I encourage readers to embrace this captivating novel and allow themselves to be swept away by the rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that it portrays.

Olivia Salter

06/08/2024