Great insights regarding my question! I agree about both gift and skill being necessary in writing and many other disciplines. Both creativity and cadence are important, but I think certain writing styles just appeal to some and not others. I can’t imagine ever being able to write a whole book, so I’m in awe of you and others who have succeeded in that realm. I have an old copy of that Strunk & White book, but that cover is a clear winner!
I just finished listening to “Blood” on Audible and I loved hearing it in your voice in all your pain and anger and joy. But I think now I’m going to buy a paper copy so I can savor the language slowly. It is beautifully written—such resonant details, and I love the way you weave together narrative and associative structures to form a new thing. I taught creative writing for 30 years and I think that you’re right that one needs both a gift and hard work to be the kind of writer you are. To my students, though, I emphasized the hard work part and reading, reading, reading! Only a few had an innate gift, but even parts of that element can be cultivated. You are blessed to be talented in so many areas, but I know you’ve worked hard to use your gifts well. And this fan is grateful for that.
Thank YOU, Alice for a great question! Gold star to you! Im always fascinated by Allison’s writing style and how she does it. When Sundays post arrives I want to be “just right” to read it … because I treat it like a special dessert. It only comes once a week and I want to savor each word. Allison as a your reader I immediately feel the tempo, tone and the phrasing. In my opinion you never lean of those too much. It’s so easy to hear your speaking voice whether I’m reading your book or your post. To me it’s like your mind & thoughts are connected to your voice and the result comes out through your hand. Does that make sense? Your phrasing just leaves me amazed sometimes and I have to stop mid reading and just say Wow. For example, “developing prowess over the details “ I enjoy your humor with a twist, and can feel your emotional restraint when choosing just the right way to say something subtly but with strength. Maybe that’s what you meant when referring to Taste
No matter, I enjoy it all. I’ve never been a prolific reader but read enough to know you are my absolute favorite writer. It feels familiar in a way I can’t explain. I love it.
Thank you again Alice. I laugh to myself, I’ve had a Friday question in mind for submission for quite awhile and have been thinking of how to write it?? It’s about performing & how it Feels. Maybe I’ll send it to you Alice for help composing! ☺️
I agree. Always read what you wrote backwards. A lesson learned in my highscool English Romantics class. I've utilized that all my life. All your typos and grammatical errors cannot hide themselves in the flow of your thoughts. JB
“I tried.” Love that! 😄
Great insights regarding my question! I agree about both gift and skill being necessary in writing and many other disciplines. Both creativity and cadence are important, but I think certain writing styles just appeal to some and not others. I can’t imagine ever being able to write a whole book, so I’m in awe of you and others who have succeeded in that realm. I have an old copy of that Strunk & White book, but that cover is a clear winner!
I just finished listening to “Blood” on Audible and I loved hearing it in your voice in all your pain and anger and joy. But I think now I’m going to buy a paper copy so I can savor the language slowly. It is beautifully written—such resonant details, and I love the way you weave together narrative and associative structures to form a new thing. I taught creative writing for 30 years and I think that you’re right that one needs both a gift and hard work to be the kind of writer you are. To my students, though, I emphasized the hard work part and reading, reading, reading! Only a few had an innate gift, but even parts of that element can be cultivated. You are blessed to be talented in so many areas, but I know you’ve worked hard to use your gifts well. And this fan is grateful for that.
Thank YOU, Alice for a great question! Gold star to you! Im always fascinated by Allison’s writing style and how she does it. When Sundays post arrives I want to be “just right” to read it … because I treat it like a special dessert. It only comes once a week and I want to savor each word. Allison as a your reader I immediately feel the tempo, tone and the phrasing. In my opinion you never lean of those too much. It’s so easy to hear your speaking voice whether I’m reading your book or your post. To me it’s like your mind & thoughts are connected to your voice and the result comes out through your hand. Does that make sense? Your phrasing just leaves me amazed sometimes and I have to stop mid reading and just say Wow. For example, “developing prowess over the details “ I enjoy your humor with a twist, and can feel your emotional restraint when choosing just the right way to say something subtly but with strength. Maybe that’s what you meant when referring to Taste
No matter, I enjoy it all. I’ve never been a prolific reader but read enough to know you are my absolute favorite writer. It feels familiar in a way I can’t explain. I love it.
Thank you again Alice. I laugh to myself, I’ve had a Friday question in mind for submission for quite awhile and have been thinking of how to write it?? It’s about performing & how it Feels. Maybe I’ll send it to you Alice for help composing! ☺️
Enjoy your weekend Allison
xo
Good morning. Do you still have an Alabama accent? Southern accents are the best!
I agree. Always read what you wrote backwards. A lesson learned in my highscool English Romantics class. I've utilized that all my life. All your typos and grammatical errors cannot hide themselves in the flow of your thoughts. JB
Great advice for any creative endeavor.
R-