25 August 2010

too fun

Had to share.  Here's a link to a Feb 2010 article by The Guardian called "Ten Rules for Fiction Writing."  The article interviews authors for their personal rules on writing.

Some good ones:

Ronny Doyle:
1 Do not place a photograph of your ­favourite author on your desk, especially if the author is one of the famous ones who committed suicide.


Anne Enright
10 Remember, if you sit at your desk for 15 or 20 years, every day, not ­counting weekends, it changes you. It just does. It may not improve your temper, but it fixes something else. It makes you more free.

Richard Ford
1 Marry somebody you love and who thinks you being a writer's a good idea

Al Kennedy
9 Remember you love writing. It wouldn't be worth it if you didn't. If the love fades, do what you need to and get it back.

Hilary Mantel
9 If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to ­music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just stick there scowling at the problem. But don't make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient.

Zadie Smith
10 Tell the truth through whichever veil comes to hand – but tell it. Resign yourself to the lifelong sadness that comes from never ­being satisfied.

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