"Every word has to beg for its life."

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.