8 Comments

1. tomorrowdefinitely on February 20, 2016 at 11:18 pm

   …and still shrouded in mystery…

   Reply
   • Anne Skyvington on February 21, 2016 at 11:40 am

     Yes, she was a friend and neighbour of that other great American writer, Truman Capote, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “In Cold Blood”. Such a pity she only had one great novel in her, but what a legacy, nevertheless!

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     • tomorrowdefinitely on February 21, 2016 at 8:54 pm

       Better one than none 😉 In Cold Blood is an account which made a huge impact on me. Apparently Capote said in an interview that his favourite book was Blixen’s Out Of Africa. Interesting, isn’t it? Also one of my all-time favourites!

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       • Anne Skyvington on February 21, 2016 at 10:22 pm

         Yes, I agree. “In Cold Blood” is a brilliant example of Creative Non-fiction: True stories well told, utilising fictional devices. Blixen’s book has one of my all-time favourite beginnings. It sets up the flavour of the whole book that follows in that one sentence.

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         • tomorrowdefinitely on February 21, 2016 at 10:38 pm

           Exactly, the sense of loss, the melancholy, the yearning are all there in that sentence.
           sending you love and a hug, Anne

         • Anne Skyvington on February 21, 2016 at 10:50 pm

           Same from me to you, dear Dagmar

2. Ian Harry Wells on February 20, 2016 at 9:46 pm

   There are numerous quotes collected from material written by Harper Lee or spoken by her in the interviews she so rarely gave. The novelist was famous for refusing interviews and appearances for the majority of her life. My favourite of her quotes is: “You see, more than a simple matter of putting down words, writing is a process of self-discipline you must learn before you can call yourself a writer.” – Interview with Roy Newquist, Counterpoints, 1964.

   These words resonate with me … self-discipline … something I must acquire if I want to write well.

   Thanks Harper Lee.

   Reply
   • Anne Skyvington on February 21, 2016 at 11:45 am

     So true. Someone once said writing requires 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Yet the myth of the great writer/genius is so hard to dispel. I wonder why so many are drawn to it. Any ideas?

     Reply