Chris’s answer to “What’s your advice for aspiring writers?” > Likes and Comments
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Exactly the things my creative writing professor told me in college 18 years ago. Except the banker one. I like that one. I may try it. Of course, my creative writing professor was awesome so I"ll have to pick someone else. :-)
I really like these suggestions. Someone of them are contrary to what we are taught, but I couldn't agree with you more!
I really want to be an author when I grow up. My mom had me read this, because I look for writing advice wherever I can find it. I am only twelve and am very inexperienced. I am in the process of writing a fantasy novel, so thank you, Mr. Bohjalian! You are very inspiring!
Can I copy your list for a personal copy or is it more appropriate to take notes?
I thought of Frankie McCourt this morning, thanks to number six; eight inspired my character to tattoo another character's forehead -- something that we don't see enough of, but secretly desire that we do; nine allows me to be a little easier on myself -- to feel accomplished according to "my" rules; and ten...well, I just want to tell you that I hope it was a satisfying smack-down for your professor-of-wreckless-advice...because she sounds like she is an a**! My own fifth-grade English teacher kicked me out of her class "for good" because I did not measure up to my peers. I thought of her, and my peers, when I published my first. Though I did not dedicate the book to her, imagining that I did gives me enough pleasure.
Thank you for the reassurance and sound advice!
I am a banker. I do write late into the night , but not to prove any writing professor wrong, but to survive the mundanity of spreadsheets. lol
Dear Chris: I cannot tell you how much I appreciate these tips for writing. They are incredibly insightful, on point and deceptively "doable." My only reason for using the term deceptive--is that I think for many of us, the trick lies in actually sitting down and doing them. For me, just nailing down the brass tacks, getting started and ignoring the din of negative thoughts in my head is the biggest obstacle.
Thank you for opening yourself up here. The lies suggestion is perhaps the most intriguing.
And, for what it's worth, I have only read one of your books, The Double Bind, which left an incredible imprint. Such a wonderful book, terrifying at times, entirely possible and believable, and yet we know something is not right as we're reading but can't seem to put our finger on it. Now, on to reading more of your books and, hopefully, to writing because of your great advice!
whole hearted thanks!
all best,
cvk
Chris, your advice to writers is not what I expected, and it's the complete opposite of what most established authors say when asked this question. Especially number eight, I am in AWE of number eight!:) Thank you.
Chris, such great advice, I believe anybody (not just writers) can learn something and enrich their lives a little bit just by following your ideas. If then what comes out ends up in a book, so much the better, but the learning experiences will be there regardless. Thank you!
My university creative writing professor (whose work I couldn't not stand, as it happened) deterred me from writing for at least a decade. Thought I only merited a C, when I have been about words all of my life. I love this and I love your FU to your professor! (P.S. Your bio and photo don't tell us if you are male or female. We like to know whom we are meeting). Carolyn.
Great advice about interviewing someone who is knowledgeable about the topic. At least I know I am on the right track; I did precisely that with "The Girl in The Red Cape" and Anna Stephan was perfect!
I think it's lovely that you take the time to answer your reader's questions.
I read an article where many authors gave their opinions on "Write what you know, and most of them hotly disagreed with it. I wrote a short story set in 19th-century London, but I've never even been in modern-day London. I immersed myself in the story, in the characters and how I thought they would react to various things. I spent 5 months just on research, reading books, articles, and novels. I even went to a museum and consulted a doctor who was very knowledgeable about 19th-century medical practice. And all that effort paid off!
I saw you speak ages ago at Border's bookstore in West Leb. one of the things you talked about that forever stayed with me was that you had a computer that was not connected to the internet. This was done to avoid distraction. I'm hoping I'm remembering this correctly. At any rate, it was the most valuable tip for me.
It is interesting to think back on some comments of past teachers, isn't it?
I hope you sent that professor a copy of each one of your books!
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Sam
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Jul 31, 2014 05:25AM
Exactly the things my creative writing professor told me in college 18 years ago. Except the banker one. I like that one. I may try it. Of course, my creative writing professor was awesome so I"ll have to pick someone else. :-)
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I really like these suggestions. Someone of them are contrary to what we are taught, but I couldn't agree with you more!
I really want to be an author when I grow up. My mom had me read this, because I look for writing advice wherever I can find it. I am only twelve and am very inexperienced. I am in the process of writing a fantasy novel, so thank you, Mr. Bohjalian! You are very inspiring!
Can I copy your list for a personal copy or is it more appropriate to take notes?
I thought of Frankie McCourt this morning, thanks to number six; eight inspired my character to tattoo another character's forehead -- something that we don't see enough of, but secretly desire that we do; nine allows me to be a little easier on myself -- to feel accomplished according to "my" rules; and ten...well, I just want to tell you that I hope it was a satisfying smack-down for your professor-of-wreckless-advice...because she sounds like she is an a**! My own fifth-grade English teacher kicked me out of her class "for good" because I did not measure up to my peers. I thought of her, and my peers, when I published my first. Though I did not dedicate the book to her, imagining that I did gives me enough pleasure.Thank you for the reassurance and sound advice!
I am a banker. I do write late into the night , but not to prove any writing professor wrong, but to survive the mundanity of spreadsheets. lol
Dear Chris: I cannot tell you how much I appreciate these tips for writing. They are incredibly insightful, on point and deceptively "doable." My only reason for using the term deceptive--is that I think for many of us, the trick lies in actually sitting down and doing them. For me, just nailing down the brass tacks, getting started and ignoring the din of negative thoughts in my head is the biggest obstacle. Thank you for opening yourself up here. The lies suggestion is perhaps the most intriguing.
And, for what it's worth, I have only read one of your books, The Double Bind, which left an incredible imprint. Such a wonderful book, terrifying at times, entirely possible and believable, and yet we know something is not right as we're reading but can't seem to put our finger on it. Now, on to reading more of your books and, hopefully, to writing because of your great advice!
whole hearted thanks!
all best,
cvk
Chris, your advice to writers is not what I expected, and it's the complete opposite of what most established authors say when asked this question. Especially number eight, I am in AWE of number eight!:) Thank you.
Chris, such great advice, I believe anybody (not just writers) can learn something and enrich their lives a little bit just by following your ideas. If then what comes out ends up in a book, so much the better, but the learning experiences will be there regardless. Thank you!
My university creative writing professor (whose work I couldn't not stand, as it happened) deterred me from writing for at least a decade. Thought I only merited a C, when I have been about words all of my life. I love this and I love your FU to your professor! (P.S. Your bio and photo don't tell us if you are male or female. We like to know whom we are meeting). Carolyn.
Great advice about interviewing someone who is knowledgeable about the topic. At least I know I am on the right track; I did precisely that with "The Girl in The Red Cape" and Anna Stephan was perfect!
I think it's lovely that you take the time to answer your reader's questions.
I read an article where many authors gave their opinions on "Write what you know, and most of them hotly disagreed with it. I wrote a short story set in 19th-century London, but I've never even been in modern-day London. I immersed myself in the story, in the characters and how I thought they would react to various things. I spent 5 months just on research, reading books, articles, and novels. I even went to a museum and consulted a doctor who was very knowledgeable about 19th-century medical practice. And all that effort paid off!
I saw you speak ages ago at Border's bookstore in West Leb. one of the things you talked about that forever stayed with me was that you had a computer that was not connected to the internet. This was done to avoid distraction. I'm hoping I'm remembering this correctly. At any rate, it was the most valuable tip for me.
It is interesting to think back on some comments of past teachers, isn't it?
I hope you sent that professor a copy of each one of your books!
