Creative Writing
One of the techniques employed by the Oulipo is known as N+7. This is where you take each noun, and replace it with a word that is seven words on in the dictionary. Of course, results vary according to what dictionary you use. The following article is an N+7 version of my review of the Penguin Book of Oulipo. Enjoy!
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ALCS and SoA Educational Writers Awards 2019 by Terry Freedman (2).JPG
The shortlisted books for the annual ALCS Educational Writers’ Awards were as beautiful and informative as ever this year.
Read MoreI’ve spent the last term on a course called Great European Short Stories. Here are my views on the course, the tutor, and the other courses of his that I’ve attended.
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Lloyds Building, London, by Terry Freedman
Not every day for the writer has to involve actual writing.
Read MoreShort-form writing is neither quick nor easy, but the effort is, in my opinion, worth it. This book explores the form with useful information, challenging exercises, and interesting examples.
Read MoreMy first foray into the world of Oulipo.
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Click on the cover to be take to the book’s Amazon page (please note, this is an Amazon affiliate link).
You may be very good at condensing a complex argument and proposals down to no more than six bullet points (as one of my line managers always demanded). This book makes it clear that there are more creative opportunities too.
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A zombie in London, by Terry Freedman. The “zombibe” pictured is James, from the Hel’s Angels agency.
You never know who you’re going to meet in London. Yesterday, I saw a zombie walking around the Microsoft Decoded conference.
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Empty bench and table, by Terry Freedman
How about forgetting all that “She said…”, “He said…” stuff? There is real power in a piece of prose or poetry where you can “hear” only one side of the conversation.
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Cine camera by Terry Freedman
What was it a teacher said that in effect caused me to stop writing for years? And what have I learnt from it?
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Cup viewed from above by Terry Freedman
An unusual view of an everyday object.
Read MoreI recently did a creative writing course. Here are my reflections on it.
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Frazzled, by Terry Freedman
Why has doing a course on American fiction been so enjoyable, and useful to me as a non-fiction writer?
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Tired of London? by Terry Freedman
Today’s photo prompt is a photo I took with my phone in the back streets of London.
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Caroline O'Donogue interviewing Holly Bourne at the London Book Fair 2019, by Terry Freedman
Why creative writing courses are good for your soul as well as for developing your writing technique.
Read MoreImages can be quite useful for sparking off the imagination, so I thought I’d post photos or drawings when I can, for people to use as prompts if they wish. Let me know if you do!
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A printing press at the British Library
As far as I’m concerned, it’s important for writers to become acquainted with other aspects of their craft, and to explore areas that are not immediately perceived to be “relevant”.
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writers’ reference books, by Terry Freedman
My personal tribute to the sports writer Hugh McIlvanney.
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The Late Lines stage, by Terry Freedman
Late Lines is an event run by the City Lit adult education institute in London. Here’s a brief report of the most recent one, plus key dates for your literary calendar.
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Photo from Pexels. Licence: CC0
I recently tried my hand at a completely different form of writing. So what did I learn from the experience?
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