WRITER SEMINARS: How has studying published authors changed/improved your writing?
Are you glad you did your writer? Who different would you consider? Why?
I was lucky enough to do the brilliant Shane Koyzcan that I have been admiring as a writer for years because I begged my partners so much to do him. I love his use of imagery and storytelling. When I do this again next year, I will consider doing the fantastic playwright Daniel MacIvor. I have had the privilege to see four of his plays live (This Is A Play, Never Swim Alone, Here Lies Henry and 39 Steps) and have read them as well. His play This Is A Play inspired me so much that I did an emulated play about it called This Is A Date. I would definitely love to really dig into his works and do a presentation about him.
What genres have interested you the most?
I mostly read historical fiction- it’s my favourite to read by far. I will also read plays, poems and spoken word poems.
What did you learn from the writers? Inspirations?
I learn about different people’s life stories and how one person’s life can affect so many different people in different ways. I was taught the beauty of repetition in works and how useful it can be when trying to get your point across. From Shane specifically, I learned that “That you aren’t meant to be indestructible. You’re expected to build a better self, using what you can salvage from every time you’ve been destroyed. You should explore that sentiment, right down to the use of the semicolons.” His work shows me that writing is just playing around and trying to find the best ways to get your point across.
Any emulation to share? If so, embed a link to it on your blog, or include here.
I’ve emulated a lot this semester.
Do you intend to read more of a writer? Which?
At this moment, I don’t think so. I just want to keep reading whatever books that I find.
BLOGGER: Discuss 3-4 student writers in the class who you have commented on and/or are a fan of their writing. Please link to their blog post/page and explain what you like about their writing/work.
She has such a unique way with words that I don’t usually see with other writers. A lot of her pieces touch a piece of my heart that gets me thinking about nostalgic memories and the good old days. Her blog has such a lovely pastel aesthetic, but she writes about darker topics which I love with a passion.
Whenever I read her works, I feel like I am being hugged by her words. Her pieces are the embodiment of innocence, and she’s able to make all of her works as sweet as honey. One of my favourite things that she does are Six Word Memoirs that she writes through the years. It takes such talent to tell a whole story with just six words, but Faith does it beautifully.
She is recklessly Russian and it is shown through her writing. I love the aesthetic of her blog and how all the titles are in Russian than in English to show everyone her identity. I was blessed to be a part of her class act Sistera and was blown away every time that I watched it. The way that she can weave in history with her stories is so smooth and such a treat to read about. “Words are like birds, once they begin to fly away, you won’t be able to catch them.”
Other writers who you are a fan of…