Kate Atkinson visited Bolton Library last week and offered an inspiring(and wry!) discussion of her new novel, Transcription as well as many fascinating insights into the writing process. I was especially impressed by Atkinson’s declaration that she always works with a title from the beginning, so that the screen/paper is never blank and that her opening chapter is created chronologically so that it feeds the rest of the narrative. Like creative germination!
I was also inspired by Killing Eve on the BBC. It is so compelling, ‘strange’ and darkly witty that I binged all 8 episodes over the weekend, whilst feeling lousy. The writing is first class and the acting superb. Hence, when I led Thursday’s writing workshop at Phoenix Writers, I borrowed an Atkinson idea and one from Killing Eve.
So here’s an easy way to create a story scenario using a fridge!
Bricks and Mortar Workshop: Who lives in your house?
- Give your house an address and even a name. Where is it? Be specific.
- What is in the fridge? Why?
- And what about the medicine cupboard? What’s in it and why?
- Who comes for Christmas and for how long? Why?
- Are there any pets? Why?
- What does your house smell of? Why?
- Which visitor has caused most trouble and why?
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Now write for ten minutes using any ideas generated by your answers. Create a TITLE!
