The Dream Begins

To kick start my writing again, I have shouted myself this newly discovered guidelines reference. I have opted for the cheaper document version at this stage, and can always follow up with assessment services later if I want to.

I have also delved back into my collection of reference books on this subject (some of these date back more than 15 years! I have been harbouring this dream for so long!)

The first thing that has struck me is how much of the advice and reference is relevant to the creative process in general.

This fabulous book by another of our great authors Libby Gleeson (Published by Hale and Iremonger Australia 1999) tracks the creative processes that she went through while writing one of her books. So much of what she writes is relevant to us illustrators as well.

I noticed I even got this copy signed! I have attended so many seminars and courses on this topic over the years that it’s these words of wisdom from
this book that have struck a chord with me:

Published by Penguin Books Australia (1992), Written by Eleanor Nilsson about the discipline of writing:

“First we start writing then we get the ideas. That is the most important piece of advice I or anyone else can give you. We learn to write by writing not thinking about writing….Remember the world is full of people who mean to write “one day”: people who are waiting for either the time or the inspiration or both. But the way to get inspiration is to sit at your desk – and write.”

Can't argue with that!


Type the rest here

Comments

Ange B said…
Hi,
I have been following your blog now for I dont know how long and have wanted to write to you before but for some unknown reasons I havent...so here it is. I am inspired by you! I am an artist/craftsperson/illustrator all sorts of things rolled into one. I am now embarking on a scary journey (scary for me as I fear failure and I fear overloading myself) and have enrolled in a 2 year diploma in graphic design. I love your work and enjoy reading your blog. I must say I was somewhat alarmed when you contemplated throwing the blog in...so glad you decided to stick with it. I have seen your little books all over the place here in Brisbane and smile when I see them, its a bit special to think "i know who illustrated that". So I wanted to say Hi and keep up the good work!
Kindest regards
Angela
Wow - I love these sort of comments! Thank you for taking the time to let me know your story. Can't wait to share in your journey as you head back to study. I hope you share it all on your blog!
lil kim said…
Hey Dan, well done on starting the foray into writing again - I'm sure many beautiful things will come of it. Hope you are managing to keep cool! xx
This was a great post! I too am so glad you decided to keep to writing and posting on your blog. I always love seeing what you have created.
I like your idea of creating more hand drawn art, I am contemplating heading in that direction myself. I can't wait to see more of what you come up with!!
Bigprint Little said…
"Writing Hannah" is a great book. I always love reading about how artists/writers/musicians etc approach their work. I take comfort in the knowledge that I'm not the only one who doubts their own abilities not to mention blank page anxiety!
You might also like to read Christopher Vogler's Writers Journey. It explores story telling and the "hero's journey" developed by Joseph Campbell. It is written with screenwriters in mind but can be applied to any fiction writing. I find that books exploring screenwriting are great for story plotting and characterisation ideas.
Have fun!
Allison.

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