Author’s counsel for aspiring creative writers

Title: Teach yourself creative writing

Author: Dianne Doubtfire

Publisher: Hodder Education, London

Published: 1993

Reviewer: Maurice Aluda

When American poet and playwright Anne Sexton was asked what she thought a teacher could give a writer in a creative writing class, in an interview with the Paris Review, she replied: "Courage, of course. That’s the most important ingredient."

To the aspiring writer, sending out manuscripts and waiting in trepidation for hopeful feedback from the publishers is sometimes inclined to develop a sort of persecution mania, especially after succession of rejections. One certainly feels helpless, yet the editorial staff decide what is to be published, and the dejected author has no right to query.

Honestly, many beginners may not know how much technical skill and hard work is needed to produce a saleable piece of work.

Arguably, Dianne Doubtfire’s instructional book, Teach yourself creative writing, is among few texts that nearly provide the possible way out of our creative writing problems.

The book is designed primarily for the new writer who wishes to know more about the writing process, develop skills, find out about the industry and see his or her work in print.

Writing dilemma

Having been a successful author of fiction and non-fiction, Doubtfire dismantles blow by blow the myth behind creative writing dilemma. She professionally lays bare significant guidelines for aspiring writers. Before plunging into elements of creative writing, she begins by foregrounding the fruits of patience and determination, which are among the key attributes of successful writers.

"The life of a professional writer is an enviable one to many people. To some, it possesses an aura of glamour. But such is bought and paid for by the unremitting labour — year in, year out — of getting words on to paper."

Getting started is one of the main challenges facing new writers. Doubtfire admits that early efforts at writing can often produce results that are too macabre or melodramatic since many beginners often find themselves drawn to write for financial gain. Yet, no one can deny there is big money from novels that exploit the appeal of sex and violence.

But whatever subject one wants to write on, one has to get down working and learning the trade. Doubtfire believes a gifted and experienced writer can handle any theme and stamp it with lasting literary quality.

Hence, the text cautions would-be writers against approaching their work with money as the main goal. "It is a grave mistake, even from a financial point of view, to write with only money as your goal. Those who write from the heart with dedication and sincerity are far more likely to win fame and fortune. Their writings will endure because the perceptive reader recognises sincerity and warms to it, remembering the author’s name and seeking out his or her works."

Secret of success

But what is Doubtfire’s advice on becoming a successful writer?

"The secret of success is twofold: first to discover, by trial and error, the branch of writing which is right for you, and second to master your craft so that you can produce the best you are capable of in your chosen field."

Throughout the book, four significant aspects seem to define Doubtfire’s secret to success in creative writing — talent, sincerity, technique and perseverance.

Teach yourself creative writing is the ideal practical handbook for any aspiring author. Using exercises to explore topics, it will encourage you to develop, direct and edit your creative ideas in addition to giving you invaluable guidance on how to present work for publication.

Divided into four major parts, it instructively handles creative writing topics that traverse almost all the genres of print, ranging from writing articles, short stories, children stories, magazine stories, poems, novels, radio scripts, non-fiction and writing for competitions.

Other important topics include; ideas and inspiration, research, writing techniques, the technical side of writing, understanding editors, publishers and literary agents and how to benefit from the writing fraternity (writing classes, conferences and writers’ circles).

I recommend this book to the entire creative writing fraternity. It gives us the courage that Sexton refers to.

aludanngunzulu@yahoo.com