These days, it is normal for authors to go to writing workshops – or teach them. So why does the idea they produce derivative writers persist?What makes a writer? How do you become one? When I was younger, even asking those questions seemed to disqualify me: a writer isn’t something one becomes, I thought, a writer just is. Despite writing, rewriting and reading all through my 20s, I was no closer to completing, let alone publishing, a novel. I realised I would need help if I was going to succeed, and I applied to several creative writing MAs.This was, depending on who you ask, either a decision that condemned my writing to being forever derivative and tired, or, an important step on the path towards the publication of my first book. The debate about the value of a degree in creative writing has been done, one might think, to death – good writing depends on an innate facility that cannot be taught, versus good writing depends on devoted time, support, and elements of craft that can be studied – yet it continues to rage. This week, a much-lauded debut novel was criticised in a review by an author for its “MA creative writing-speak” and “oh so tediously writing workshop description”. For some, “writing workshop” is shorthand for bad. But why?'One must have in mind between 68 and 73% of the ending' before starting a story, my teacher once advised Related: Buy a cat, stay up late, don't drink: top 10 writers’ tips on writing Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'
[ The Guardian | 2018-04-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
Anderson Cooper is bringing a version of his CNN show to Facebook, joining Shepard Smith of Fox News as the two main media stars tapped to join the social network's fledgling news platform.On Wednesday, Facebook announced an initial lineup of seven news programs produced by networks and digital... Continue reading at Advertising Age
[ Advertising Age | 2018-06-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
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These days, it is normal for authors to go to writing workshops – or teach them. So why does the idea they produce derivative writers persist?What makes a writer? How do you become one? When I was younger, even asking those questions seemed to disqualify me: a writer isn’t something one becomes,... Continue reading at The Guardian
[ The Guardian | 2018-04-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Literary agency Aitken Alexander Associates is to create a new scholarship in Creative Writing for students at Birkbeck, University of London, in a bid to "find and nurture" literary talent from groups underrepresented in publishing. Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2018-01-04 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Employees of Penguin Random House UK have raised over £7,000 for creative writing and mentoring charity Ministry of Stories by completing a seven-mile walking route through London, including through the Royal Parks. Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2017-05-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Academics Susan Greenberg [pictured] and Emma Venables say developments in Open Access may affect the draft novels produced on creative writing courses. Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2016-11-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Arts Council England (ACE) has launched a £1.2m fund to support creative writing in schools. Meanwhile, ACE's recently appointed chief executive Darren Henley has urged the government to cease cuts to art funding. Between October 2015 and October 2018, ACE will invest in three funding awards... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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This summer sees the release of a slew of second novels with reactions to débuts informing publishers’ strategies for that tricky second book. Editorial director at Picador Francesca Main has several second novels coming out this year: “I think the key is to build on the success you already... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Barnard College named Carmen Ren as the first ever recipient of its Axinn Foundation/Anna Quindlen Award for Creative Writing. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-05-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Facebook is testing mobile ads that appear on apps other than its own, the company said. In a post today, Facebook says the test is for a mobile ad network it is creating. It marks an important step for the social network, showing its sponsored content outside its own properties is key to... Continue reading at AdWeek
[ AdWeek | 2014-01-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The New York Times is still the gold standard of publishers. Its embrace of native advertising is an important step in legitimizing this modernized version of the advertorial. Importantly, the Times is also looking to impose far more rigid standards that are currently used throughout the... Continue reading at Digiday
[ Digiday | 2013-12-19 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Note–taking is a skill not easily acquired. In the hands of an artist, designer, or Hollywood serial killer (à la Seven's John Doe), an idea–crammed notebook can even become a rarified, and in the case of the latter, creepy, object all on its own. Too often, however, the ability to take... Continue reading at Fast Company
[ Fast Company | 2013-09-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon is fleshing out its international empire. The company has already conquered the US, Japan, UK and Canada, and has even launched an ebook assault on the Chinese mainland. Now it looks like the online giant has settled on its next target: Russia. According to a report in the Russian edition... Continue reading at Engadget
[ Engadget | 2013-04-19 00:00:00 UTC ]
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