When writing a novel we struggle with the tension of leaving out too much of our moral point of view, or putting it in so thick people feel like they’ve read a sermon instead of a story. I like what Anne Lamott says in Bird by Bird.
“You need to put yourself at their center, you and what you believe to be true or right. The core, ethical concepts in which you most passionately believe are the language in which you are writing… These concepts probably feel like givens, like things no one ever had to make up, that have been true through all cultures and for all time. Telling these truths is your job. You have nothing else to tell us. But needless to say, you can’t tell them in a sentence or a paragraph; the truth doesn’t come out in bumper stickers. There may be a flickering moment of insight in a one-liner, in a sound bite, but everyday meat-and-potato truth is beyond our ability to capture in a few words.” (103)
What are you reading lately and how do you feel the author has weaved his or her moral point of view throughout the story? I’m very curious.
Much love,
Tina
Bird by Bird was required reading in my college fiction writing classes, and my first encounter with Anne Lamott. It remains to this day as one of my favorite all-time books…though I’ve found that I like her actual fiction/nonfiction much less than I like this book on the act of writing itself. Have you read her other things? What do you think about them? xo
I love this book too. I keep it on desk with me at all times. I look through it when I’m particularly discouraged with the writing journey.
I haven’t read all of Lamott’s stuff, but I loved Traveling Mercies, Help Thanks Wow, and Operating Instructions. Her non-fiction is my favorite and I love some of her articles. I think it’s her honesty that I find most endearing. This last year I reread a lot of her work.
I have to agree, I just don’t feel like her fiction is nearly as good as her non-fiction.
Great Quote! Saw this contest and thought you’d be qualified to enter in! http://www.pw.org/writing_contests/life_lessons_essay_contest
I will enter. Only because you sent it to me, and that means a lot that you would think I’d qualify. I’ll tell you how it goes!
Much love – where are you going to go to college?
T
I will be studying Theatre (performance) and either business marketing, psych, or political science–getting a dual degree (kind of like a double major) from the University of Washington! Or at least that is the plan! I move in to my fraternity this Saturday and am so excited for the festivities to begin…
P.S. I’ve grown closer to Lexie, my friend you met on that last day, and we both have a growing interest in taking you up on your offer to have us down your way!!! 🙂
So glad you have some idea of what you want to do!
Also glad that you and Lexie are closer … so please consider coming for a trip. Um … if you are thinking political science, you might be able to link it with something here with a University. The Chilean Dictatorship – Pinochet was dictator for 17 years. I’ve long wanted to research the lasting effects of a living in fear for 17 years. There are many. Anyways, the best time to come for the nice weather is Dec. Jan. Feb. but no one is in school then.