Thursday, August 23, 2018

Thursday Thoughts...

“A writer needs three things, experience, observation, and imagination — any two of which, at times any one of which — can supply the lack of the others.” 

William Faulkner

When I think about writing, and my meagre attempts at it, I think that Faulkner's reflection on what is needed are pretty accurate.

Oftentimes we write from experience - to make sense of it; to share it or simply because it amused or entertained us.  We need to observe - looking closely at things and considering them. Exploring connections; random moments; noises, smells and sensations.  And then the imagination - the ability to extrapolate, expand, and move beyond the present or the known, to create people, ideas, places, experiences that simply don't exist in the realm of the real.

I also love his approach to getting by with two; and if push comes to shove one might do!

My sense is that if you read a really good book; or a beautiful passage, you can understand that the write was working with these notions.


Experience, observation, imagination...

PS - here's a link to a short video from our Celebration of Books - I get all enthusiastic!!!

4 comments:

  1. we all learn to write when we are young but not many can make it an art and you do!

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    1. That is very kind Mo - but I know my limitations! Good writing is a joy to experience and I am so often in awe of folk who do it well. And I like knowing that people have been thoughtful as they write, and finessed it for us. Go well.

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  2. What a revealing quote ... finely wrought

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.