"Every word has to beg for its life."

[anteros_lmc]

Alan Garner

I've spent most of the day on a train travelling to and from a work event down south. Long day, but it did give me time to finish reading Alan Garner's new novel Boneland. I'm not even going to attempt to explain what it's about, but you can read Ursula Le Guin's review in the Guardian here. The Guardian also hosted a fascinating question and answer session with Garner, who rarely gives interviews. I've always been in awe of Garner's pared down writing style, so I loved this explanation he gave of his approach to writing:

"Every word has to beg for its life. Adverbs and adjectives are born guilty until proved innocent. When something is "finished", I cut it back, and continue until what is said can be said in no fewer words. This leads to clarity and impact, and also to an extra dramatic effect when the rule is broken and the words appear to run riot. They don't. They're on a strong leash."

The rest of the Q&A can be read here.

Comments

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

I do not know this author. But his interview sounds fascinating.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure how widely known Garner is outside the UK. He's very highly regarded here though he's published less than a dozen slim novels in a writing career that has spanned over 60 years. All his books are deeply rooted in British landscape, history, prehistory and myth. His earliest books are classed as children's books but some of them have very adult themes. I've been reading his books since I was a kid and every time I re-read them they astonish me and terrify me even more.

[charliecochrane.livejournal.com]

That's a lesson to us all!

That's why I like drabbles and short stories. Succinct.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

A lesson to us all indeed! Garner really is an author who makes every single word count. I can only aspire to such brevity :}

[vespican.livejournal.com]

When I was younger and re-wrote something, it usually got longer. Now when I re-write or revise, it usually gets shorter!
Dave

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Heh, when I was book writing for work a couple of weeks ago, our editor was freaking out because our draft was getting longer on the "final" edit!