Over the past couple of days, I have been busily to-ing and fro-ing to the town hall and have had the delight of attending three different Literature Festival events. I have decided to post a little series of quick-fire blogs, giving a snapshot of the three sessions, each with a few quotes of writing advice, reassurance and personality from the speakers. Let’s work backwards and start off with Ian McMillan’s writing workshop this evening. Consequently creative Have you ever played the game consequences? You know – boy’s name, girl’s name, he said, she said and all that jazz. Well it turns out that a variation of the game is a really fun creative writing exercise and a great way to warm up your mind when putting pen to paper. This reflects the tone of the whole of today’s workshop really; Ian McMillan led us in dabbling with ideas, musing over memories and starting off putting thoughts into words on a blank sheet of paper, like walking for the first time on a fresh blanket of snow. The session took place at the Town Hall in an amazing room. It was wallpapered with dark wooden panels which were absolutely covered in lists and lists of names belonging to the Lord Mayors of Chester, dating back to the 1200s. What with this intriguingly profound setting and the gentle melodies of the busker outside drifting through the window, we definitely weren’t deprived of inspiration points! McMillan reminded us of the importance of specifics whilst writing. Names, places, little quirks, tiny objects of interest and curiosity. All these things make a poem or story or whatever you write more endearing and real. Great Aunt Beatrice’s fluffy slippers with pink flowers on, her perfume that smells of Parma Violets and the sugary shortbread biscuits she gives you that always taste a bit on the stale side can make all the difference. Yes, they may not be commenting on life, death or world peace, but their power should nevertheless not be underestimated. I suppose life’s simplicities slip by us so easily, but when they’re noticed, written down and put into words, we can realise their true hilarity, true emotion, true beauty. You can make it up! Use a phrase that will kind of hang in the air after we’ve heard it. Sometimes the big subject overwhelms the poem. Event two of three coming soon!
1 Comment
Marg Lucas
10/17/2016 02:06:35 pm
Brilliant Meg, think it would have helped me with my creative writing!
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AuthorMegan Kate Chester Archives
June 2017
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