Creative writing

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE WRITER'S SOUL: Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Bud Gardner— Editors; Westland Books Pvt. Ltd., 62-A, Ormes Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-600010. Rs. 195.

WRITING IS an art that cannot be taught in a classroom, though workshops have been set up for the job by academic institutions. Creative writing is always a question of inspiration, like one candle lighting another. The chicken soup dished out by the three editors contains a variety of ingredients from successful writers and is sure to be a healthy brew to aspirants as it infuses self- confidence: I too can write!

Inthis area, the greatest inspirer of our times has been Alex Haley, author of Roots and Queen. He has literally brought out the hidden treasures in the hearts of ordinary people. There are two articles on him, a must for anyone who wants to sharpen his instruments of observation, analysis, organisation and publication. Barnaby Conrad's account begins with Haley's days as a cook in the Coast Guard, speaks of the aspirant's passion ("I'm going to be a writer if it kills me!") and his unflappable poise when dealing with "the infamous neo-Nazi and racist George Lincoln Rockwell", Haley's irrepressible sunnyness comes through in Bud Gardner's A Chat with Alex Haley. Golden advice from the great explorer of genealogy!

"Yourattitude is everything. Believe in yourself and trust your material. To be a successful writer, write every single day whether you feel like it or not. Never. Never give up, and the world will reward you beyond your wildest dreams."

PREMA NANDAKUMAR

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