Comments on: Harper Lee has died aged 89

By: Anne Skyvington

Anne Skyvington — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:50:06 +0000

In reply to tomorrowdefinitely. Same from me to you, dear Dagmar

By: tomorrowdefinitely

tomorrowdefinitely — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:38:31 +0000

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

By: Anne Skyvington

Anne Skyvington — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:22:26 +0000

In reply to tomorrowdefinitely. 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.

By: tomorrowdefinitely

tomorrowdefinitely — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 09:54:22 +0000

In reply to Anne Skyvington. 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!

By: Anne Skyvington

Anne Skyvington — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:45:52 +0000

In reply to Ian Harry Wells. 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?

By: Anne Skyvington

Anne Skyvington — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:40:02 +0000

In reply to tomorrowdefinitely. 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!

By: tomorrowdefinitely

tomorrowdefinitely — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 12:18:28 +0000

…and still shrouded in mystery…

By: Ian Harry Wells

Ian Harry Wells — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 10:46:49 +0000

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.