Sometimes literature is defined by its content and other times simply by its target readership. There is ‘black’ literature, ‘feminist’ literature, ‘Christian’ literature and ‘gay’ literature; and somewhere I’m sure there’ll be black, feminist, Christian gay lit too! It may be argued that these are simply marketing niches rather than literary categories or that they are sub-genre of broader literary categories. For example, is gay literature just romance with homosexual characters? Is a Christian historical any different from an ordinary historical? Is there a more overt ‘message’ when a niche readership is catered for?
The Crafty Writer interviewed gay novelist and short story writer Jay Mandal in the hope of shedding some light on the debate. Continue reading ‘Gay literature: separate genre or marketing niche?’
Arthur C. Clarke has died at 90. I’m not sure if it was a grand old age, but it certainly was a grand old literary life. I knew about Arthur C. Clarke before I’d ever read a book of science fiction because of his inspirational adaptation of his short story the ‘Sentinel’ to the screenplay of A Space Odyssey: 2001. I always enjoyed science fiction films - and for a time I even watched Star Trek - but for some reason I resisted reading them. It was only when I read Ursula Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness as part of my first year English lit at Rhodes University in 1989 that I first realised that the genre wasn’t so much about science, but the human condition. Continue reading ‘Remembering ‘the grandfather’ of science fiction’
In my writing for children classes I often catch myself reciting the mantra: publishers aren’t interested in talking animals anymore. It’s what you hear at every writing conference and read on most publishers’ websites. And yet, I have published my own ‘talking animals’ book, Donovon’s Rainbow and many of the books I read to my three-year-old daughter feature talking animals too. One of her favourites is Bringing Down the Moon by Jonathan Emmett and, to my delight, the Winnie The Pooh stories by A.A. Milne. Continue reading ‘Talking Animal Stories - Wind in the Willows MK II?’
If you are in Newcastle on Friday 29 February, drop by Live Theatre to see Shortcuts, a marathon of 16 five minute plays. My play, ‘Pig Stew’, about three sisters who inherit a pig farm in Northumberland, will be one of the contestants. The audience have a chance to vote for their favourite short play. Starting at 6pm.
More good news on the play front is that ‘The Idol of Sarajevo’ is a semi-finalist in the Reverie New Generation Playwriting Contest in New York. The winner will receive a full staging in the big apple. Sarajevo has already been shortlisted for three other awards, so let’s hope this time it will be the bride and not just the bridesmaid.
For a list of play competitions - a good way to get yourself and your scripts noticed - check out Writernet
Stephen King of Stephen King fame revealed recently that he has no time for writers who say they have no time to read. ‘If you want to write you’ve got to read - everything,’ says King. Continue reading ‘No time to read?’
The Crafty Writer has managed to persuade accomplished poet Joan Johnston to write a series of posts in which she will introduce readers to the beautiful art of poetry and encourage you to pick up a pen and sketch pictures with words. This month, Joan talks about the importance of listening. Continue reading ‘Poetry: are you listening carefully?’
For Valentine’s Day the Crafty Writer has asked Texan romance novelist Pollyanna Williamson (aka Tambra Kendall and Kelia Greer) to tell us a bit more about writing for this genre. And if you’re more interested in how much the flower industry generates than sighing over the roses, perhaps these figures will turn you on:
- Romance novels generate around 1.52 billion U.S. dollars in sales
- There are 51 million readers from all walks of life
- Romance comprises 53.3% of all paperback fiction sales in America
Do we have your attention? Good. Now over to Polly: Continue reading ‘Romance fiction: more than just sex’
Alex Gazzola is an author and journalist specialising in food, nutrition and health, with a particular focus on food intolerance, food allergy, digestion and digestive orders. Continue reading ‘A health writer coughs up’
The Crafty Writer’s Kathleen Kenny will be hosting weekly writing sessions at the Cumberland Arms in Byker, Newcastle, UK, starting 7 February. Every Thursday, avid writers will gather to share ideas, advice and constructive criticism of their ongoing work. £6/£4 concessions. No experience necessary. All welcome. 7.30 - 9.30pm. The Cumberland Arms, Ouseburn, Byker. Tel: (0191) 265 6151
Update 22/02/2008
Unfortunately this won’t be happening for the next while, but we’ll let you know when the bar opens again. Cheers!
It’s a well-worn theme on the Crafty Writer that it’s difficult to earn a living as a writer, but we don’t want you to give up in despair. So we’ve asked top copywriter Gill D’Achada, creative director of Mustard Seed Marketing and Advertising, to tell you about one way writers can make money: through copywriting… Continue reading ‘Getting Started in Copywriting 1′
Welcome to The Crafty Writer, published by Fiona Veitch Smith, a freelance journalist, author, playwright and writing teacher. This site is full of information and resources to help you to become a better writer. 
