tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post3682736835167776989..comments2024-03-28T09:25:14.379+00:00Comments on Veg Plotting: ABC Wednesday - U is For...VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-21692795290868019162008-12-13T11:22:00.000+00:002008-12-13T11:22:00.000+00:00Susan - thanks for your follow up. Stephen King's ...Susan - thanks for your follow up. Stephen King's book is cropping up everywhere I look and Garden Wise Guy also speaks highly of Bird by Bird. I'll email you as suggested, but I see you're occupied for the next few days, so I'll wait a wee while.<BR/><BR/>Blossom - thank you. It looks like I have a good set of resources here, just like you did recently with your photography post :)VPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-3370919002693684752008-12-12T02:14:00.000+00:002008-12-12T02:14:00.000+00:00Honestly, I really enjoy your writing VP. I think...Honestly, I really enjoy your writing VP. I think that you are correct - keep writing from the heart and you won't lose your "voice".<BR/><BR/>A good book about non-fiction writing is "On Writing Well". My husband's publisher sent him a CD of the book to listen to when his first book proposal was accepted.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08691765466320690473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-69543705218213816232008-12-12T00:17:00.000+00:002008-12-12T00:17:00.000+00:00You might look at some of these for a start:Creati...You might look at some of these for a start:<BR/><BR/>Creativity:<BR/><BR/>Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott<BR/><BR/>Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg <BR/><BR/>Non-fiction: <BR/><BR/>On Writing Well, William Zinsser<BR/><BR/>Telling True Stories: A Non-fiction Writers Guide from the Nieman Foundation at Harvard University, by Mark Kramer and Wendy Call, eds.<BR/><BR/>The writing life:<BR/><BR/>On Writing, by Stephen King (yes, that Stephen King)Susan Tomlinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01532464326705599296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-80109516574189046672008-12-11T20:55:00.000+00:002008-12-11T20:55:00.000+00:00Wow! So many comments and good advice. Thank you s...Wow! So many comments and good advice. Thank you so much everyone. This is a resource I shall be returning to often at least over the next few months I'm sure.<BR/><BR/>A special thanks to Emmat for returning several times and to those of you who've commented for the first time.<BR/><BR/>I'm coming over for a visit to you all right now...VPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-38380406717727806162008-12-11T20:03:00.000+00:002008-12-11T20:03:00.000+00:00Interesting U.There are loads of writing courses a...Interesting U.<BR/>There are loads of writing courses available so if you are still bent on taking one, I am sure you'll find one that works for you. But from what I have read on that post you you do not seem to need one so why not do as most writers do and just write?spacedlawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12462723005560128474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-9209040502032917482008-12-11T18:38:00.000+00:002008-12-11T18:38:00.000+00:00There are a variety of good writing classes at Oxf...There are a variety of good writing classes at Oxford U Continuing Education, with v good writers, and covering different things - fiction, memoirs, etc. Some day, some evening, some long, some short. They get booked up well in advance, but people come from further than Chippenham to attend (and you can stay overnight if you need to)<BR/><BR/>I do think you can learn something in a writing class. But not if you're hopeless in the first place. Which you're not. Obviously, otherwise none of us would be here.<BR/><BR/>Good luck deciding (perhaps you'll follow up this post when it turns round to D)<BR/><BR/>JoannaJoannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06790888857849562408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-69050032398695863812008-12-11T18:35:00.000+00:002008-12-11T18:35:00.000+00:00Susan's excellent comment made me think of this bo...Susan's excellent comment made me think of this book which I read last year which I think is just along those lines<BR/><BR/>http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reading-Like-Writer-Guide-People/dp/0060777044<BR/><BR/>Reading Like a Writer, by Francine Proseemmathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03914805260939907394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-2233357322878373912008-12-11T12:35:00.000+00:002008-12-11T12:35:00.000+00:00Umm, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say th...Umm, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that writing well can be taught. Everyone has room to get better, and a good teacher can bring that out in the writer.<BR/><BR/>That said, I think your writing is lively and organized (extraordinarily important). So the next question is, what are you looking for in improving your writing? You say you are interested in learning to write non-fiction--does that mean you are looking for how to structure an essay? Or are you looking for creative ways to write about nature? There is instruction available for both. If you are looking for the latter, there are several books that could help. For the former, you might look for a writing workshop, or a better teacher in a more suitable course.<BR/><BR/>If you like, I can recommend some books that might help. And I think that someone in the comments recommended a workshop in the UK. They are pricey, but can be very helpful. Writing groups can help, too, if you get the right mix of people involved.<BR/><BR/>Also, to echo some of the earlier comments, read, read, read--but read as a writer. That is, if you like something, ask yourself why. And if you don't like something ask yourself the same question...and then, apply those lessons, in your own voice.<BR/><BR/>Writing helps us discover and shape who we are. So no matter how discouraged you might get, keep writing, if for no other reason than to explore your own thoughts.Susan Tomlinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01532464326705599296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-8075639670907069202008-12-11T10:09:00.000+00:002008-12-11T10:09:00.000+00:00Hi - interested in the on-line writers group - als...Hi - interested in the on-line writers group - also can you email me the info about the writing course in Devon - probably way out of my league pricewise but am looking for something at the moment to engage with.Helen/patientgardenerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02164036792673009326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-49844373756815916412008-12-10T23:07:00.000+00:002008-12-10T23:07:00.000+00:00Do you remember VP - when I wrote my first blog in...Do you remember VP - when I wrote my first blog installment (admittedly there haven't been too many yet but more to follow) and I said that I had always been told at school that I couldn't write? That wasn't physically you understand - and you said to me 'what rubbish'!<BR/><BR/> Girl - listen to your own advice and just look at the followers you have. Do you think we'd all look every day if we didn't enjoy what you write.<BR/><BR/> I'm going to put you in a bag and give you a really good shake! Forget writing courses, just get on with what you are doing, and doing so well. Tolstoy or Dostoyevsky (sic) you may not be, but who reads them any way.<BR/><BR/>LOL<BR/><BR/>PS My verification is boondogi which has brought me out of righteous indignation into fluffy bunny, which is much the better temper for going to bed. x<BR/><BR/>Eek - that one didn't work - I must have gone so fluffy bunny that my fingers went haywire. (It's now lation which isn't half so much fun).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-85790138464400065442008-12-10T22:52:00.000+00:002008-12-10T22:52:00.000+00:00re: your updateI think every time you write in a d...re: your update<BR/><BR/>I think every time you write in a different place you change your voice. [Not you personally! Just, everybody.] Very slightly, perhaps, but you still change. I've noticed it vis a vis blogging here or for the Independent, writing "real" articles, writing academic papers... they all come out differently! I am a slightly different person for each job, apparently. So I don't know about "losing a voice" - it's very, very interesting to me, because I think I have many to start with. <BR/><BR/>But I think you are one of the least self-conscious writers on the entire internet, so perhaps you are rightly worried about becoming more conscious of yourself and that getting spoilt. ??? xxemmathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03914805260939907394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-28658299571112817372008-12-10T22:47:00.000+00:002008-12-10T22:47:00.000+00:00I think that it has all been said :) I agree with ...I think that it has all been said :) I agree with the other comments that writing well is something that can't be taught. However it is like every other skill we have is and is something that can be developed. You are already writing regularly which I would think plays a huge part in developing those skills and more reading about the subject you love will certainly inspire you. Whatever you do you do not want to lose that instinct,fun and enthusiasm that you show in your writing here and which draws many of us back as regular visitors.Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10794392333038962798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-34571624203614852062008-12-10T20:51:00.000+00:002008-12-10T20:51:00.000+00:00I love your blog, I love the way you manage to put...I love your blog, I love the way you manage to put across your huge enthusiasm for, well... life, really. That's the secret of being a good communicator, I think, that you can pull people in and carry them along with you. There are lots of supposedly good writers that I find unreadable because they just don't engage me on any level. I agree with Emma, though, if you have a chance to go on a creative writing course with Anna Pavord, do try to go. She is one of the nicest people in the whole world.Victoria Summerleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05055381807236106596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-53158711390651282612008-12-10T20:03:00.000+00:002008-12-10T20:03:00.000+00:00I don't think you can lose your voice. The good th...I don't think you can lose your voice. The good thing about courses is that you are under pressure to write - and it's what you're there for so it's allowed. If you try to do it on your own, you'll find excuses not to. That's what I find anyway.Liz Hindshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04646532093872561703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-54355139983880102842008-12-10T19:44:00.000+00:002008-12-10T19:44:00.000+00:00ummmm EmmaT - what would an online writers group i...ummmm <BR/>EmmaT - what would an online writers group involve?<BR/>What do you think VP? ... online writers group?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-27542926010896759232008-12-10T19:09:00.000+00:002008-12-10T19:09:00.000+00:00I have not only enjoyed reading this article, and ...I have not only enjoyed reading this article, and all of the others you have posted thorughout the year, but also reading how other people respond to your writing. <BR/>There is little I can add here, as I think others have made such good suggestions for you. I agree that the most successful writing comes from the heart-and knowing you, I can say that your writing comes from there.Threadspiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06780634324037593398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-67492611382469077892008-12-10T18:22:00.000+00:002008-12-10T18:22:00.000+00:00You write well. You cover what you want to say in...You write well. You cover what you want to say in an interesting way, and you have a good command of English. I think the main advantage to be gained from a writing course is the understanding that you know when your work is good. Also managing to write a set amount on a given subject. No tutor can give you ability if you don't already have it. Just <B>keep writing</B>.<BR/><BR/>ABC TeamDragonstarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05935435587527038459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-49521798888912916862008-12-10T17:09:00.000+00:002008-12-10T17:09:00.000+00:00PS i am a friend and already have the brochure - M...PS i am a friend and already have the brochure - May 11 Nature Writing in Devon with Anna Pavord and Dominic Couzens<BR/><BR/>or you could skip all this loving the environment and just do writing a bestseller with my auntie, or does salacious aga sagas....<BR/><BR/>Are you still doing your voluntary work? Arvon gives a full grant to voluntary workers. That might solve the ££ question<BR/><BR/>am emailing you the brochure right now as pdfemmathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03914805260939907394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-22175959370029195162008-12-10T17:03:00.000+00:002008-12-10T17:03:00.000+00:00I went on the Arvon Nature writing course last yea...I went on the Arvon Nature writing course last year, and it was great. The setting is just fabulous, never mind the food and the teachers. And I think Anna Pavord is teaching it this time round... who is like... the nicest sweetest woman in the entire world. I think that - expensive though it is - I learnt more in that 5 days than I had in about a year of writing every day and being published at least weekly. <BR/><BR/>i think there is a real logic, however good you are as a writer, to being exposed to new situations, ideas and criticisms. Clearly there are a few unfortunate people who are never going to make great writers, because their prose is completely turgid. But for practically everyone else there is room to be made to look more closely, to describe with more care, to think about how to use telling details, and to consider when to stop trowelling them on. And the technical stuff is really important: where to use quotes, how to use descriptions of places, it's all quite technical and worth actually studying. It just sounds to me like you had a crap teacher, but I don't imagine that all creative writer teachers are crap. I've only had three so far and they were all inspiring. <BR/><BR/>Very interested in what everyone else has to say too. I would happily form an online writers group if anyone else was interested!<BR/>xxxemmathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03914805260939907394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-9504416318669401372008-12-10T15:04:00.000+00:002008-12-10T15:04:00.000+00:00I enjoy writing, but I dont think I could take it ...I enjoy writing, but I dont think I could take it to the next stage, especially having read Ben Vogt's blog about rejection letters recently, that would just be soul destroying!<BR/><BR/>My youngest is doing a degree in Journalism and her beau is at Goldsmiths doing Creative Writing, the courses have very different emphasis. Maybe the former is more where you want to be?<BR/><BR/>ZoëZoëhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03725740035246396812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-24098529559327569312008-12-10T14:56:00.000+00:002008-12-10T14:56:00.000+00:00A UNIQUE photo, VP! As a former English teacher w...A UNIQUE photo, VP! <BR/><BR/>As a former English teacher who taught a course in Creative Writing--granted to teenagers--may I offer my opinion? Your writing is already so good, I'm not sure a creative writing class is what you are looking for. I think you are doing the right things already--reading a lot of other writers, particularly in the genres you're interested in, and writing every day. Add to that your knowledge of plants and gardening, you have all the tools right now to be a great garden writer. I would think a gardening magazine would love to have you as a contributing writer right now!<BR/><BR/>Sorry I haven't been around the past week--I won't be home until tomorrow night. But thanks for the reminder about the breast cancer site; I'd forgotten about that.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-21407778830178126082008-12-10T14:49:00.000+00:002008-12-10T14:49:00.000+00:00When it comes to writing I have only three suggest...When it comes to writing I have only three suggestions:<BR/>1. Read a lot to absorb techniques<BR/>2. Be yourself when you write - not one of the others.<BR/>3. Practice, practice, practice....<BR/><BR/>A course can teach you some basic techniques - it can't teach you to be yourself.Only you can do that.Rune Eidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01008247272056395901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-48322364044605422582008-12-10T13:18:00.000+00:002008-12-10T13:18:00.000+00:00Undecided is why I am so frustrated at the moment ...Undecided is why I am so frustrated at the moment here too.<BR/>Hospital cannot decide that now it is my turnArneAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08532050427854977774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-7476892360520652742008-12-10T13:14:00.000+00:002008-12-10T13:14:00.000+00:00Hi VP, I think your writing is already top notch. ...Hi VP, I think your writing is already top notch. And I agree with Helen and Karen that the most important thing is your own style or voice, coming from instinct. I don't think good writing can be taught, but happens from osmosis by reading the work of others. Christopher Lloyd was an epiphany for me also. And dear Beverley Nichols!<BR/><BR/>FrancesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793702278130036246.post-35718171921241306562008-12-10T09:04:00.000+00:002008-12-10T09:04:00.000+00:00The important thing for me about writing - is spea...The important thing for me about writing - is speaking with your own voice - and here on your blog you do that - and I enjoy it.<BR/>Warm regards<BR/>KarenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com