On Writing
This is not a treatise on how to write, and certainly not on how to get published. What it will tell you is how I write, which is a contradictory mixture of discipline, laxity and procrastination. But, far more important, it will tell you it’s never too late to take up writing and that, if you persevere, your writing will improve beyond measure.
Be assured, there is no single formula for successful writing. I’m sure there are as many methods practised as there are writers. Some write best only at a certain period of the day (or night), others only if fuelled by caffeine, nicotine or alcohol. I always begin by reading my last page and end up re-writing it. I’m sure I shouldn’t – but I do it anyway. If you write regularly, you will soon fall into your own pattern. It helps, of course, if you have some natural ability with words. My school essays usually passed muster, especially if I wrote about wildlife and the countryside. That’s worth noting; I was writing about a particular interest and my enthusiasm and knowledge showed. No matter how arcane your interests, yours will show if you write about what you know.
It is hugely helpful if you read widely. Years ago I read a single page weekend supplement article by Graham Greene which simply described his view of an ideal Sunday. It was beautifully written by a master craftsman. And the more you read, the sooner you will acquire that appreciation of good writing, albeit in many different styles.
I struggle with much modern fiction so, some years ago, I was interested when my local library set up a ‘classics’ section. I ploughed through Conrad, Chekhov, Mark Twain, Melville and quite a few others. Eventually it was a relief to read Hemingway’s ‘To Have and Have Not’, which opens with a violent gangland murder. No matter; reading recognised classics is nothing if not instructive regarding style, plotting, characterisation and much else besides.
I have also read my share of ‘How to Write’ books, although skimmed would be a more accurate description. Out of this deluge of advice I can recall only one really useful tip: if you are immovably stuck at a particular point, jump ahead and fill in the gap(s) later. I once wrote the end of a story when I was only a third of the way through – and had to change very little when I actually reached the end. Whatever works for you, do it. When writing fiction, I do find it helpful to write mini-biographies of the principal characters, simply to avoid later faux pas about their age, physical appearance and background. Likewise, where complex action takes place (such as the small-holding in ‘Dancing with the Devil’), I find a simple sketch map very useful. Many writers seem to enjoy research for research’s sake: I don’t but it is often unavoidable if you are to write accurately about your subject. That is where the internet is an absolute boon.
I didn’t start writing for my own enjoyment until I retired at the age of 62, which is certainly not what I would recommend. In fact, Elizabeth Gilbert (‘Eat, Pray, Love’ plus much else) regards age 38 as a late start when referring to another writer. But I am a habitual late or re-starter, as in parachuting again at the age of 66. Age should not define you, certainly not where writing is concerned. Think of all that accumulated life experience waiting to be brought to bear …
My books are not widely published or read, not least because I hardly promote them: I don’t have a mortgage to pay and I’d rather go fishing. But I am acutely aware that receiving appreciative comments from even a limited readership has made authorship one of the most fulfilling achievements of my life.