Wednesday, February 3, 2010

All about everything

The Hathor Legacy has a fascinating interview with Robert V.S. Redick, who wrote The Red Wolf Conspiracy and its sequel, The Rats and the Ruling Sea. It’s a long, but really, really interesting read covering everything from narrative structure and writing choices, to research and world building, to POV, to theme and character and voice.

I was particularly happy to read about his choices for framing his narrative, as I’m thinking, and have been thinking, of framing mine with journal entries. I was also really thrilled with his words about the value of an honest narrative, and about writing as a labor of love.

All in all it’s just a fascinating tale of his journey to professional writer which really made me feel good when I was finished reading it. Since not much makes me feel all that good lately, I thought that was a pretty good thing.

So go check it out.

8 comments:

  1. Oh, I hope things begin to feel better for you!

    Yes, it does look very interesting!

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  2. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm always on the lookout for good writing books. Hope you're feeling a bit better soon :)

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  3. Amy, thank you. I do, too. :) And yes, I thought it was really interesting.

    Carol- Thank you for coming by. My bad about being unclear. This is an interview where the author discusses his journey as a writer. I think it's a fascinating look at his journey and had some intersting things for me about how he wrote. I hope you find it intersting and worth the read as well. :)

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  4. Thanks for the rec. And btw, you have a little gift over at my blog. Stop by when you get a chance. :)

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  5. Good recommendation. I'll check it out.

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  6. Hi, Roni. Thank you so much. I love prezzies. :)

    And Eva, I think you'll like the interview. I know I did.

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  7. Thank you for the tip! A fascinating read, indeed, one that contains many echoes of previous conversations we exchanged, mainly where honesty and integrity are concerned in view of the creative effort. All delivered with a sort of candor that's quite appealing.

    The books sound intriguing too: not the usual fantasy novel at all, but a well-crafted world that seems to share the same in-depth care and dedication you can find in Tolkien, Martin or Herbert.

    I liked the author's nod toward the dichotomy that comes from the need for creative isolation and the equal need for feedback and – why not? – approval. It's the kind of straightforwardness that warms you instantly to a person.

    For some reason, this sentence struck a deep chord:
    you search for some clearing where a rite can be performed, and you call that rite your story
    If this is an example of his writing, I'm going to enjoy these books!

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  8. A fascinating read, indeed, one that contains many echoes of previous conversations we exchanged, mainly where honesty and integrity are concerned in view of the creative effort.

    Hee! I have to admit that I thought of you when I read this. And I thought of you too with the whole need for feedback discussion.

    I think the books do sound interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing the world-building first hand. And I think that you are right. I think I am going to enjoy the books.

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