Tuesday, June 8, 2010

A Pound for your thoughts


We were talking about Ezra Pound in my writing workshop last week, in particular, his observations on storytelling. One quote that stuck in my mind was this gem:
'The fundamental accuracy of statement is the one sole morality of writing.'
He recognised what many would-be writers overlook...that is: never underestimate your reader. You can't pull the wool over the eyes of your audience with convenient plot twists or character contradictions. Flimsy fluff balls.
Pound also happened to write one of my (many) favourite poems...

The Encounter
All the while they were talking the new morality
Her eyes explored me.
And when I rose to go
Her fingers were like the tissue
Of a Japanese paper napkin.

No comments: