How to be a great writer

Posted in Features, Writing

‘How can I be a great writer?’ I asked.

‘Write what is new, you and true,’ the wise man replied.

‘How can fiction be true?’ I asked.

‘Make it believable,’ he said.

‘Sounds easy,’ I said.

‘It will take a lifetime,’ he said. ‘And it hurts. But it’s worth it.’

Roger Steer
October 2001