This week, Lesley and I went along to meet and listen to Liz Byrski talk about her new book, Last Chance Cafe. Liz, author of ten Australian novels, writes about women entering the third age of their lives: in their fifties and sixties, these women have new beginnings, opportunities and adventures.
I was fascinated to discover that Liz, whose books I enjoy very much, is a ‘panster’ with a difference. Somehow, I’d always assumed she plotted her characters adventures and growth, but she doesn’t. Liz brings together a framework of issues about which she is passionate- the vibrancy of women’s lives after the family-raising stage, the quest to redefine self, take that adventure always put aside for others, revisit turning points and set them in perspective, among others. Then her characters introduce themselves to her, create themselves and set out along the roads that they define. Liz writes of their journeys, never quite sure where that will lead, only that each action, decision and turning point is true for that character. When her stories bog down, Liz says, she knows she isn’t listening to her women.
It was an important lesson for me to carry away from a very enjoyable event. Writing historicals, I can become carried away with the facts and realities of the period. I need to listen more, hear what my characters are feeling, follow their journeys and stop bossing them around!
2 comments:
I was surprised by the questions Liz got. At most author signings people ask questions about writing technique, characters and setting. Liz got questions about the cultural and political issues her books explore.
An enjoyable evening and great conversation.
LOL did you almost faint when you heard she was a pantser? I was surprised at how many successful authors are in fact pantsers, with just a general guide to where they're going and what they're trying to achieve. Of course, different genres require didn't planning and writing methods. I love hearing how other authors work :)
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