Writing on, and about, an island

Archive for July, 2012|Monthly archive page

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Writing Crime or Popular Fiction: one-day intensive with PD Martin

In Books, Crime & Mystery Writer, Tasmania, Writing on July 4, 2012 at 1:40 pm

PD Martin

If you’re in Tassie in September, this Tasmanian Writers’ Centre workshop sounds worth attending…

“Blockbuster novelist PD Martin will guide you through some of the major elements of writing a popular fiction novel – genre, planning, research, character development, plot development, dialogue and the all-important writing process. The session will focus on take-home theory and practical tips, coupled with some exercises and workshopping to improve your writing skills.”

Phillipa Martin is the author of five crime fiction novels published in 13 countries. Her Sophie Anderson series has met with international acclaim. Her books are Body Count, The Murderers’ Club, Fan Mail, The Killing Hands and Kiss of Death. She’s also published an ebook novella, Coming Home. You can find out more about Phillipa at www.pdmartin.com.au

Details
Sunday, 02/09/2012 – 10am to 4pm

Meeting Room, Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart TASMANIA

Email admin@tasmanianwriters.org or phone (03) 6224 0029

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Monday Morning Inspiration (“Why writers write”)

In Writing on July 2, 2012 at 9:26 am

I love this Brain Pickings post on George Orwell’s philosophy for why writers are compelled to write. According to GO (one of my favourite writers), it comes down to:

  1. Sheer egoism
  2. Aesthetic enthusiasm
  3. Historical impulse
  4. Political purpose

This is in stark contrast to today’s writing culture, where we have writers who say that their only motivation is to write for their readers.

I say bollocks to this falsely modest reasoning – I think writers inherently write for themselves and are pushing their own agenda, whatever that may be.

And writers should not feel pressured to be PC about why they write. It dumbs the process and the craft and the result down. How many artists do you know who say they create their art just for the viewer?

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