I think one of the best ways to learn about writing is to read lots of it. Discover what you like and what you don't like, then try to understand exactly what it is you do or don't like about it...
In the last few weeks I have been revisiting one of my favourite authors - Jane Austen. Why do I and so many others enjoy reading and re-reading her books so much? We know what happens, yet still they appear fresh and new. Sometimes we fall a little in love with Elizabeth or Emma or Mr Darcy, and sometimes they irritate the life out of us.
I am currently cross with Emma - she has fallen out of favour. I used to love her, but lately I keep being reminded of how limited she can be. But then she is a creature of her time and her upbringing, and at her heart she is kind. Faulty, but kind. I love that Mr Knightley calls her on her bad behaviour - isn't it time that all of us started to take more responsibility for our actions?
This book is as relevant today as it was when Austen wrote it - and that is one of the reasons we love it. But how does she achieve this? - that is the question. Just one of the many I ponder as I try to write my own works. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the scenes and characters that grow in our minds will also resonate with thousands of others for decades (or centuries) to come. Imagine...
No comments:
Post a Comment