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Monthly Archives: April 2010
My Favourite Equatorial Things
A song was playing in my head and I was reminded of a familiar list. 1. Raindrops on roses – I dream of pink ones. 2. Whiskers on kittens – I’m not a cat person but who can resist kittens. … Continue reading
Posted in Blogging & Writing
Tagged attempting fiction, fiction, Life, Living, personal, photography, photos, pretty, Singapore, travel, women, words, writing
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To Me a Book is a Thing of Beauty
There are some women who squeal with delight at a blue satin heeled Louboutin or a Valentino silk dress that accentuates all the right curves and cloaks your flaws. In that aspect I am what you would call a nerd … Continue reading
Writing Style
I find it easy to write in a melodramatic diary style. I feel extremely self conscious about what I produce. I yearn to write with a touch of humour that will make the writing less ponderous and more accessible. That … Continue reading
Yann Martel’s Writing Habits
I am a great admirer of Yann Martel and his mastery of words. He has a way of making his stories light and accessible. His stories seem to me like deceptively child-like fables which most effectively contain powerful messages about … Continue reading
Posted in Blogging & Writing
Tagged Beatrice and Virgil, book, books, habits, inspiration, Life, Okapi, personal, routine, style, writing, Yann Martel
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Baby Wants to See the Fish
I see the long cradle that could rock from side to side. Sitting up in it, I couldn’t fall asleep. I kept asking to see the fish. I could only say “fish” and point. I stretched my arms out into … Continue reading
Seeing Snow for the First Time
I had one day to pack my bags. B had a last minute business trip to Boston and wanted me to come. There was the tiny possibility of snow. It was the middle of March in Boston, and getting warmer. … Continue reading
Advice from Haruki Murakami
Whenever I don’t feel confident about my writing I think I should read this extract from Murakami. It’s comforting to know that even the most popular writer in Japan has his insecurities. What he says strikes a chord with me. … Continue reading
Posted in Blogging & Writing
Tagged advice, author, haruki, interview, Japan, japanese, murakami, writing
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Life at the Equator
The ringing of the phone grated on my nerves. “Hello are you Miss…..” I hung up the phone. Yet another telemarketer going through the directory, mispronouncing my name. I was sticky and uncomfortable. How I longed for rain. On days … Continue reading
Posted in Blogging & Writing
Tagged attempting fiction, books, feelings, fiction, Life, Living, Paul Theroux, personal, Singapore, thoughts, travel, weather, women, words, writing
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Advice from Kurt Vonnegut
Vonnegut’s books are so easy to read. He has been generous with advice to aspiring writers. The one that stuck with me most was ‘pity the readers’. I am guilty of writing for myself and often forgetting the audience. I … Continue reading
Advice from Naipaul
I found this great site which has advice from writers, starting with some tips from V S Naipaul. Naipaul recommends short 10 word sentences and small 5 lettered words: 1. Do not write long sentences. 2. Each sentence should make … Continue reading
Attempting Fiction (The Interview)
Mila wiped her clammy hands on her new charcoal skirt and adjusted her white blouse. Willing herself not to loose her balance she walked into the room. It had been months since she had worn proper shoes. The new shoes … Continue reading
Posted in Blogging & Writing
Tagged anxiety, failure, interview, jobless, story, unemployed
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I Struggle with Words
When I read books by Bill Bryson, Peter Mayle or Kurt Vonnegart – deceptively simple and charmingly witty – I am convinced I can write too. Then I actually sit down to put thought to paper. Its hard. There’s a huge discrepancy between the seemingly … Continue reading
Posted in Blogging & Writing
Tagged author, Bill Bryson, book, books, Peter Mayle, Salman Rushdie, writing
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Insomnia
I know the reason for my insomnia. I am wound up every night feeling that I have not fully used my day. I am filled with an anxiety that I have not made any significant progress towards a better future. … Continue reading
Claustrophobic on this Tiny Island
I have started to become more and more claustrophobic in Singapore. You can never get a seat on the train but you’re always assured of an elbow in your face. Most weekends I would rather stay home away from the … Continue reading
Posted in Blogging & Writing
Tagged attempting fiction, beautiful, Claustrophobia, fiction, Life, Living, personal, Singapore, Space, travel, women, writing
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Do Writers Prefer Pen and Paper or a Laptop?
Salman Rushdie says he only started using the computer in 1995 but now mixes up long hand and editing on a computer. Do you work on a computer? Or in longhand? Well, I work on both. I do a lot … Continue reading
How Do Famous Writers Write?
Writing habits of Paul Theroux, Haruki Murakami, Salman Rushdie and Peter Mayle. Continue reading
Posted in Blogging & Writing
Tagged advice, authors, books, famous, Haruki Murakami, how to write, interview, Life, Paul Theroux, routine, writers, writing, writing style
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Turning 40
I have just half a year left to relish my 30’s and it has put me into panic mode. If my life was in order I would be fine with the number, but it’s in shambles. I am filled with … Continue reading