So very interesting. It is a great essay about how good writers learn their craft through their perceptions of their own own process. Here the use of crime novels as a way to learn structure. I always thinks crime novels echo the structure of fairy tales exploring cause and consequence in a safe and reassuring way. I was sorry that your Danny Beck story didn't make its way to the bookshops. It is a great novels full of insights from your own prison experience. Writing focused on genre can, if you let it be a literary prison in itself. On the other hand much so called literary fiction like your Grear new novel could perhaps fit into a psychological fiction genre. Another great novel here
I agree Wendy, the boundaries between genre and literary fiction are so often artificial. As you say, crime novels are a great way to learn structure. There is so much we can learn from reading other writers we admire who are at the top of their craft.
I'm sure you're right about the Harris' novels - it's so often the case with books into films. I'm always glad I read the book first. Just want to say thank you for Bearskins, as Caroline says above - so dammed good!
So very interesting. It is a great essay about how good writers learn their craft through their perceptions of their own own process. Here the use of crime novels as a way to learn structure. I always thinks crime novels echo the structure of fairy tales exploring cause and consequence in a safe and reassuring way. I was sorry that your Danny Beck story didn't make its way to the bookshops. It is a great novels full of insights from your own prison experience. Writing focused on genre can, if you let it be a literary prison in itself. On the other hand much so called literary fiction like your Grear new novel could perhaps fit into a psychological fiction genre. Another great novel here
I agree Wendy, the boundaries between genre and literary fiction are so often artificial. As you say, crime novels are a great way to learn structure. There is so much we can learn from reading other writers we admire who are at the top of their craft.
Barkskins is so damned good. I read it last winter and it kept me hooked until the last line.
I agree - it was Warren who sometimes comments here you recommended it to me- so big thanks to him
I'm sure you're right about the Harris' novels - it's so often the case with books into films. I'm always glad I read the book first. Just want to say thank you for Bearskins, as Caroline says above - so dammed good!