Writing Inspiration from the Making of Les Miserables the Movie

By Candy Gourlay

So aside from watching lots of Making Of documentaries while waiting for comments on my manuscript, I've also been binging on podcasts.

Listening to a podcast about the making of Les Miserables the movie, I kept discovering things that resonated with writing.

Maureen says, 'Show Not Tell.'

By Maureen Lynas

Look, I'm cross. Can't you tell?
Do I have to actually spell it out for you!
Grrrrrrrrr

I once attended an excellent weekend course run by Cornerstones Literary Consultancy. Each day was split into sessions based on plot, character, settings etc. and all was well until we reached the session on ‘Show Not Tell’ Blank looks all round. Explanations were given. Examples were given. But blank looks persisted. In the end, the tutor had to say, ‘One day you’ll all shout ‘eureka’ and the light bulb will click on.’

Why you have no idea what you're doing

By Candy Gourlay

First, let us all take a moment to gaze upon Harrison Ford in his prime.