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Literary travels – destinations made famous by your favourite writers

Great writers have the ability to make a destination jump off the page. Here are five places made famous by great writers where you can step into the pages of your favourite book. Myanmar During the 1920s and 30s Burma (as it was called then) was a hub for the most famous writers in the world. George Orwell, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham all lived here and the capital Yangon (Rangoon) was a buzzing party town and the most beautiful capital in the British Empire. Much has changed in modern day Myanmar, but travellers can still spend the night in the famous Strand hotel where Kipling used to write or travel up the Ayeyarwady River stopping at the small towns that Orwell made famous in Burmese Days. Bali In 2006 Elizabeth Gilbert chronicled the breakdown of her marriage and her own recovery in the novel Eat Pray Love. After stints in Italy (eating) and India (praying), Gilbert set up camp in Ubud in the lush green hills of Bali to find a balance of the two – and ultimately found love. The book and subsequent film have brought a huge influx of travellers to Ubud, but it is still a quiet region of rice paddies, ancient Hindu temples and roadside stalls – though there is now a healthy dose of art galleries, small bars and boutiques added to the mix. Check into a villa and let the soul soothing begin. St Petersburg St Petersburg has been the inspiration for novelists from Russian greats like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky through to The Bronze Horseman trilogy by Paullina Simons. During the city’s famed white nights (a period from May to July where the sun barely sets and the city experiences near constant daylight) you can practically see Anna Karenina dashing through the streets in her finest. Russia is also home to more literary museums than any other country in the world and in St Petersburg you can visit the Dostoevsky museum in the apartment where he wrote The Brothers Karamazov or the National Pushkin Museum dedicated to Russia’s favourite poet. Dublin Dublin is one of only six UNESCO Literary Cities in the world, which is not surprising when you consider it’s the birthplace of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and WB Yeats. Joyce’s Ulysses follows a day in the life of three Dubliners and fans can now take a self-guided walking tour around the city visiting the places mentioned in the book (there’s even a virtual tour online if you’re more of an armchair traveller). Visit the Dublin Writers Museum to learn about the city’s great literary history or head to Trinity College to see the legendary Book of Kells, an illuminated gospel manuscript dating from 800AD. Cuba To think of Cuba is to think of Ernest Hemingway; sitting at a bar, mojito in hand, cigar clamped firmly between his teeth. Papa, as he was known, lived in Cuba for more than 20 years and it was the setting for his last major fiction book, the Pulitzer Prize winning The Old Man and the Sea. The small fishing village of Cojimar, where Hemingway used to dock his boat, was the inspiration for the book and the old man is said to be based on Cojimar local Gregorio Fuentes. The village is largely unchanged, with narrow streets and a picturesque seafront – though expect to find a few tour buses stopped for photos by the bust of Hemingway. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

The 5,000-year history of writer’s block

Ann Patchett, who has written eight novels and five books of nonfiction, says that when faced with writer’s block, sometimes it seems that the muse has “<a href="http://www.annpatchett.com/titles#/thisisthestoryofahappymarriage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gone out back for a smoke</a>.” It doesn’t matter whether you’re an award-winning novelist or a high schooler tasked with writing an essay for English class: The fear and frustration of writing doesn’t discriminate. My most recent book, “<a href="https://broadviewpress.com/product/a-writing-studies-primer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Writing Studies Primer</a>,” includes a chapter on gods, goddesses and patron saints of writing. When conducting research, I was struck by how writers have consistently sought divine inspiration and intercession. It turns out that frustrated writers who pine for a muse or help from above are adhering to a 5,000-year-old tradition. <div data-id="17"> </div> <h2>The first writers look to the skies</h2> The first writing system, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/cuneiform" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cuneiform</a>, arose in Sumer around 3200 BC to keep track of wheat, transactions, real estate and recipes. Scribes used clay tablets to record the information – think of them as early spreadsheets. Originally the Sumerian goddess of grain, <a href="https://www.worldhistory.org/Nisaba/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nisaba</a> became associated with writing. She was depicted holding a gold stylus and clay tablet. As it was common for people to adopt a god or goddess for their professions, a new class of scribes latched onto Nisaba. Practice tablets from <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/367648" target="_blank" rel="noopener">schools that trained young scribes</a> invoke her name – “Praise be to Nisaba!” Poets trumpeted her influence and <a href="https://twitter.com/anctxtmodtablet/status/1097890316458360832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">credited her for giving beautiful handwriting</a> to diligent students. Her Egyptian counterpart was <a href="https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/seshat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Seshat</a>, whose name <a href="https://www.worldhistory.org/Seshat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">translates to</a> “female scribe.” Identifiable by a stylized papyrus as her headdress and a stylus in her right hand, Seshat guided the reed pens of scribes as priests communicated with the divine. Writing was all about communicating with the gods, and the Greeks and Romans continued this tradition. They turned to the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, known collectively as <a href="https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/nine-muses-0013523" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Muses</a>. Calliope stands out most notably, not only because a musical instrument was named after her, but also because she was considered the foremost of the sisters for her eloquence. The Muses <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124242927020125473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have since evolved</a> into one overarching “muse” that serves as a source of inspiration. <h2>Global gods and goddesses of writing</h2> Gods and other legendary figures of writing are not limited to Western civilization. In China, the historian Cangjie, who lived in the 27th century B.C., is said to have created the <a href="https://www.ewccenter.com/cangjie-and-the-invention-of-chinese-characters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">characters of the Chinese language</a>. Legend has it that he was inspired by the pattern of veins on a turtle. (Back then, the Chinese <a href="https://www.worldhistory.org/Oracle_Bones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">often wrote on turtle shells</a>.) A <a href="https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Fu_Xi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">competing story</a> says that cultural folk hero Fuxi and his sister Nüwa created the system of Chinese characters circa 2000 B.C. Yet it is Cangjie’s name that lives on in the Cangjie Input Method, which refers to the system that allows Chinese characters <a href="https://www.cangjieinput.com/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to be typed using a standard QWERTY keyboard</a>. In India, writers still invoke the elephant-headed Hindu god <a href="https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/blog/ganesha-chathurthi-birth-elephant-headed-god" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ganesha</a> <a href="https://www.thestatesman.com/features/common-writing-rooms-well-known-authors-lord-ganesh-1502544876.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">before putting ink to paper</a>. Known as a remover of obstacles, Ganesha can be especially meaningful for those struggling with writer’s block. There’s also <a href="https://www.worldhistory.org/Sarasvati/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saraswati</a>, the Hindu goddess of learning and the arts, who’s renowned for her eloquence. In Mesoamerica, Mayan culture looked to <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Itzamna" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Itzamná</a> as the deity who provided the pillars of civilization: writing, calendars, medicine and worship rituals. His depiction as a toothless and wise old man signaled that he was not to be feared, an important characteristic for someone promoting an anxiety-inducing process like writing. <h2>Enter the patron saints</h2> In Christianity, <a href="https://theconversation.com/who-are-patron-saints-and-why-do-catholics-venerate-them-148508" target="_blank" rel="noopener">patron saints</a> are exemplars or martyrs who serve as role models and heavenly advocates. Various groups – professions, people with a certain illness and even entire nations – will adopt a patron saint. Within the Catholic Church, a range of patron saints can serve as inspiration for writers. <a href="https://theconversation.com/st-brigid-the-compassionate-sensible-female-patron-saint-of-ireland-gets-a-lot-less-recognition-than-st-patrick-176659" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. Brigid of Ireland</a>, who lived from 451 to 525, is the patron saint of printing presses and poets. A contemporary of the better-known <a href="https://theconversation.com/10-things-to-know-about-the-real-st-patrick-92253" target="_blank" rel="noopener">St. Patrick</a>, St. Brigid established a monastery for women, which included a school of art that became famous for its handwritten, decorative manuscripts, particularly the <a href="http://www.kildarearchsoc.ie/the-book-of-kildare/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book of Kildare</a>. Following St. Brigit in Ireland is St. Columba, who lived from 521 to 597 and founded the influential abbey at Iona, an island off the coast of Scotland. A renowned scholar, St. Columba transcribed over 300 books over the course of his life. The influence of patron saints dedicated to literacy – reading and writing – continued long after the Middle Ages. In 1912, the <a href="https://www.css.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">College of Saint Scholastica</a> was founded in Minnesota in tribute to <a href="https://d.lib.rochester.edu/teams/text/whatley-saints-lives-in-middle-english-collections-life-of-st-scholastica-introduction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scholastica</a> (480-543), who with her twin brother, Benedict (died in 547), enjoyed discussing sacred texts. Both Italian patron saints came to be associated with books, reading and schooling. <h2>Objects charged with power</h2> Some writers may think supernatural figures seem a bit too far removed from the physical world. Fear not – there are magical objects that they can touch for inspiration and help, such as talismans. Derived from the ancient Greek word telein, which means to “fulfill,” it was an object that – like an amulet – protected the bearer and facilitated good fortune. Today, you can buy talismans drawn on ancient Celtic symbols that purport to help with the writing process. <a href="https://www.moonlightmysteries.com/pewter-talisman-for-poets-writers-and-actors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One vendor promises</a> “natural inspiration and assist in all of your writing endeavors.” Another supplier, <a href="https://www.magickalneeds.com/product/talisman-for-poets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Magickal Needs</a>, advertises a similar product that supposedly helps “one find the right word at the most opportune moment.” Others turn to crystals. A <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/831873886/healing-crystals-for-writers-writers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writer’s block crystals gift set</a> available through Etsy offers agate, carnelian, tiger eye, citrine, amethyst and clear quartz crystals to help those struggling to formulate sentences. <h2>What makes a writer?</h2> What drove the creation of divine beings and objects that can inspire and intercede on the behalf of writers? To me, it’s no mystery why writers have sought divine intervention for 5,000 years. Sure, tallying counts of sheep or bushels of grain might seem like rote work. Yet early in the development of writing systems, the physical act of writing was exceedingly difficult – and one of the reasons schoolchildren prayed for help with their handwriting. Later, the act of creation – coming up with ideas, communicating them clearly and engaging readers – could make writing feel like a herculean task. Ironically, this complex skill does not necessarily get easier, even with lots of practice. The romantic image of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/genius-in-the-garret-or-member-of-the-guild-60175" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writer in the garret</a> doesn’t do justice to the tedious reality of churning out words, one after another. In his memoir “<a href="https://stephenking.com/works/nonfiction/on-writing-a-memoir-of-the-craft.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">On Writing</a>,” Stephen King reflected, “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” At the suggestion of a friend, the writer Patchett attached a <a href="http://www.annpatchett.com/titles#/thisisthestoryofahappymarriage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sign-in sheet to the door of her writing room</a> to ensure she wrote every day. No matter how accomplished a writer, he or she will inevitably struggle with writer’s block. Pulitzer Prize−winning author John McPhee, who began contributing to The New Yorker in 1963, details his writer’s block in a <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/04/29/draft-no-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2013 article</a>: “Block. It puts some writers down for months. It puts some writers down for life.” Another famous writer for The New Yorker, Joseph Mitchell, was struck by <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/av/magazine-32602862" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writer’s block in 1964</a> and simply sat and stared at his typewriter for 30 years. I’ve even wrestled with this article, writing and rewriting it in my head a dozen times before actually typing the first word. Poet and satirist Dorothy Parker <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/obituaries/archives/dorothy-parker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">once said</a>, “I hate writing; I love having written.” You and me both, Dorothy. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-5-000-year-history-of-writers-block-190037" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Books

Writer's hilarious yet emotional obituary for her mother brings the internet to tears

A writer has brought the internet to tears over her hilarious yet poignant obituary for her late mother. Caity Weaver, a journalist for the New York Times, posted the heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Dr. Maureen Brennan-Weaver, who passed away on June 14th in her hometown in Pennsylvania. Caity's post has since gone viral, in which she described her late mother as "riotously funny" and "pathologically generous". In the tribute to her mother, Caity described her amazing ability to find a good deal and how she would use this skill to treat her loved ones. "Maureen was six-foot and loved strays of all species," Caity wrote. "She could outthink any opponent, was riotously funny and pathologically generous." "If you mentioned a thing you liked, she'd get you 11 when she found them at a great price." "Maureen's true joys were helping people, and anyone anywhere saving money. She briefly employed a skilled housekeeper but found her a more lucrative job." "She clipped coupons for diapers and left them in the grocery store baby aisle. Decades ago, she acquired a huge box of toothbrushes for pennies on the dollar and has kept her family in toothbrushes ever since." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Got the worst news I’ve ever gotten last week. My mom and I made each other cry laughing all the time. I hate to think about all the deals she’s going to miss out on. I hope she guides me to the best sales forever. <a href="https://t.co/dZoWdIu86C">pic.twitter.com/dZoWdIu86C</a> — Caity Weaver (@caityweaver) <a href="https://twitter.com/caityweaver/status/1539735766863069190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2022</a></blockquote> Caity spoke of her mother's fearlessness, saying, "Maureen had a cackle that crashed through rooms. She died before discovering what, if anything, she was afraid of." In the obit, which has been retweeted more than 32,000 times, the writer joked that her mum's death "shocked all who loved her" since she was "ahead of schedule for the first time in her life." She added that Maureen is remembered by her husband of 33 years, John, who she provided "selfless care" throughout his "prolonged infirmity." Caity went on to explain that Maureen, who worked as a podiatrist, was "treasured" by her patients, who often "showered her with homemade treats." "Dr. Brennan-Weaver could not stop herself from buying shoes for patients if she spotted just what they needed while shopping. She categorically did not do house calls, except for patients she 'really liked'." Caity concluded the tribute with an emotional statement about her mother, saying, "No amount of time with the astonishing Maureen would have been enough for her family and friends, though she gave us enough toothbrushes and memories to last several lifetimes. Oh, how we loved her!" Many users were moved by Caity's tribute to her mother, with readers saying it made them "laugh and cry at the same time". One person praised her obituary and offered condolences, saying, "I’m sorry for your loss, but it seems we are to be the beneficiary of a number of her fine qualities for some years to come." Another person said, "I can only dream of writing a tribute like this, that captures someone’s exuberance and boundless generosity. I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds simply wonderful." Image credits: Twitter

Caring

The science of the plot twist: How writers exploit our brains

Recently I did something that many people would consider unthinkable, or at least perverse. Before going to see <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154756/">Avengers: Infinity War</a>, I deliberately read a review that revealed all of the major plot points, from start to finish. Don’t worry; I’m not going to share any of those spoilers here. Though I do think the aversion to spoilers – what The New York Times’ A.O. Scott <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/24/movies/avengers-infinity-war-review.html">recently lamented</a> as “a phobic, hypersensitive taboo against public discussion of anything that happens onscreen” – is a bit overblown. As <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=SeGl108AAAAJ&hl=en">a cognitive scientist who studies the relationship between cognition and narratives</a>, I know that movies – like all stories – exploit our natural tendency to anticipate what’s coming next. These cognitive tendencies help explain why plot twists can be so satisfying. But somewhat counterintuitively, they also explain why knowing about a plot twist ahead of time – the dreaded “spoiler” – doesn’t really spoil the experience at all. The curse of knowledge When you pick up a book for the first time, you usually want to have some sense of what you’re signing up for – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozy_mystery">cozy mysteries</a>, for instance, aren’t supposed to feature graphic violence and sex. But you’re probably also hoping that what you read won’t be entirely predictable. To some extent, the fear of spoilers is well-grounded. You only have one opportunity to learn something for the first time. Once you’ve learned it, that knowledge affects what you notice, what you anticipate – and even the limits of your imagination. What we know trips us up in lots of ways, a general tendency known as the “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17576275">curse of knowledge</a>.” For example, when we know the answer to a puzzle, that knowledge makes it harder for us to estimate how difficult that puzzle will be for someone else to solve: We’ll assume it’s <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749596X96900091">easier</a> than it really is. When we know the resolution of an event – whether it’s a basketball game or an election – we tend to <a href="http://psycnet.apa.org/record/1976-00159-001">overestimate</a> how likely that outcome was. Information we encounter early on influences our estimation of what is possible later. It doesn’t matter whether we’re reading a story or negotiating a salary: Any initial starting point for our reasoning – however arbitrary or apparently irrelevant – “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17835457">anchors</a>” our analysis. In <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16382081">one study</a>, legal experts given a hypothetical criminal case argued for longer sentences when presented with larger numbers on randomly rolled dice. Plot twists pull everything together Either consciously or intuitively, good writers know all of this. An effective narrative works its magic, in part, by taking advantage of these, and other, predictable habits of thought. <a href="http://www.literarydevices.com/red-herring/">Red herrings</a>, for example, are a type of anchor that set false expectations – and can make twists seem more surprising. A major part of the pleasure of plot twists, too, comes not from the shock of surprise, but from looking back at the early bits of the narrative in light of the twist. The most satisfying surprises get their power from giving us a fresh, better way of making sense of the material that came before. This is another opportunity for stories to turn the curse of knowledge to their advantage. Remember that once we know the answer to a puzzle, its clues can seem more transparent than they really were. When we revisit early parts of the story in light of that knowledge, well-constructed clues take on new, satisfying significance. Consider <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167404/">The Sixth Sense</a>. After unleashing its big plot twist – that Bruce Willis’ character has, all along, been one of the “dead people” that only the child protagonist can see – it presents a flash reprisal of scenes that make new sense in light of the surprise. We now see, for instance, that his wife (in fact, his widow) did not snatch up the check at a restaurant before he could take it out of pique. Instead it was because, as far as she knew, she was dining alone. Even years after the film’s release, viewers take pleasure in this twist, <a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/33625-the-sixth-sense-surprise-ending-is-obvious-if-you-pay-attention-to-these-6-clues">savoring the degree</a> to which it should be “obvious if you pay attention” to earlier parts the film. The pluses and minuses of the spoiler At the same time, studies show that even when people are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0749596X89900016">certain of an outcome</a>, they reliably experience suspense, surprise and emotion. Action sequences are still heart-pounding; jokes are still funny; and poignant moments can still make us cry. As UC San Diego researchers Jonathan Levitt and Nicholas Christenfeld have recently <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21841150">demonstrated</a>, spoilers don’t spoil. In many cases, <a href="https://theconversation.com/enough-with-the-spoiler-alerts-plot-spoilers-often-increase-enjoyment-62154">spoilers actively enhance enjoyment</a>. In fact, when a major turn in a narrative is truly unanticipated, it can have a catastrophic effect on enjoyment – as <a href="https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/04/avengers-infinity-war-ending-reactions-twitter">many outraged</a> Infinity War viewers can testify. If you know the twist beforehand, the curse of knowledge has more time to work its magic. Early elements of the story will seem to presage the ending more clearly when you know what that ending is. This can make the work as a whole feel more coherent, unified and satisfying. Of course, anticipation is a delicious pleasure in its own right. Learning plot twists ahead of time can reduce that excitement, even if the foreknowledge doesn’t ruin your enjoyment of the story itself. Marketing experts know that what spoilers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1057740815000467">do spoil</a> is the urgency of consumers’ desire to watch or read a story. People can even find themselves so sapped of interest and anticipation that they stay home, robbing themselves of the pleasure they would have had if they’d simply never learned of the outcome.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/95748/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vera-tobin-469645">Vera Tobin</a>, Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/case-western-reserve-university-1506">Case Western Reserve University</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-science-of-the-plot-twist-how-writers-exploit-our-brains-95748">original article</a>.

Books

“I want to stare death in the eye”: why dying inspires so many writers and artists

It may seem paradoxical, but dying can be a deeply creative process. Public figures, authors, artists and journalists have long written about their experience of dying. But why do they do it and what do we gain? Many stories of dying are written to bring an issue or disease to public attention. For instance, English editor and journalist Ruth Picardie’s description of terminal breast cancer, so poignantly described in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/424646.Before_I_Say_Goodbye">Before I say Goodbye</a>, drew attention to the impact of medical negligence, and particularly misdiagnosis, on patients and their families. American tennis player and social activist Arthur Ashe wrote about his heart disease and subsequent diagnosis and death from AIDS in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/698054.Days_of_Grace">Days of Grace: A Memoir</a>. His autobiographical account brought public and political attention to the risks of blood transfusion (he acquired HIV from an infected blood transfusion following heart bypass surgery). Other accounts of terminal illness lay bare how people navigate uncertainty and healthcare systems, as surgeon Paul Kalanithi did so beautifully in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25899336-when-breath-becomes-air">When Breath Becomes Air</a>, his account of dying from lung cancer. But, perhaps most commonly, for artists, poets, writers, musicians and journalists, dying can provide <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25733900-the-violet-hour">one last opportunity for creativity</a>. American writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak drew people he loved as they were dying; founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, while in great pain, refused pain medication so he could be lucid enough to think clearly about his dying; and author Christopher Hitchens <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Hitch_22.html?id=H6nbV6nLcWcC&redir_esc=y">wrote about</a> dying from <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/oesophageal-cancer.html">oesophageal cancer</a> despite increasing symptoms: I want to stare death in the eye. Faced with terminal cancer, renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks wrote, if possible, more prolifically than before. And Australian author Clive James found dying a mine of new material: Few people read Poetry any more but I still wish To write its seedlings down, if only for the lull Of gathering: no less a harvest season For being the last time. Research shows what dying artists have told us for centuries – creative self-expression is core to their sense of self. So, creativity has <a href="https://www.headspace.com/blog/2017/04/18/grief-creativity-together/">therapeutic and existential benefits</a> for the dying and their grieving families. Creativity <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jocb.171">provides</a> a buffer against anxiety and negative emotions about death. It may help us make sense of events and experiences, tragedy and misfortune, as a graphic novel did for cartoonist Miriam Engelberg in <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/9780060789732/cancer-made-me-a-shallower-person/">Cancer Made Me A Shallower Person</a>, and as <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=MkcGiLeATe8C&oi=fnd&pg=PP2&dq=%5BCarla+Sofka+and+Illene+Cupit+(eds)++Dying,+Death,+and+Grief+in+an+Online+Universe:+For+Counselors+and+Educators,+Springer+2012&ots=vdXYa_3cvU&sig=Od3eQ4A7_hadLwgIn4liIEoyo5c&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=%5BCarla%20Sofka%20and%20Illene%20Cupit%20(eds)%20%20Dying%2C%20Death%2C%20and%20Grief%20in%20an%20Online%20Universe%3A%20For%20Counselors%20and%20Educators%2C%20Springer%202012&f=false">blogging and online writing</a>does for so many. Creativity may give voice to our experiences and provide some resilience as we face disintegration. It may also provide agency (an ability to act independently and make our own choices), and a sense of normality. French doctor Benoit Burucoa <a href="https://www.cairn.info/article.php?ID_ARTICLE=INKA_181_0005">wrote</a> art in palliative care allows people to feel physical and emotional relief from dying, and: […] to be looked at again and again like someone alive (without which one feels dead before having disappeared). A way of communicating to loved ones and the public When someone who is dying creates a work of art or writes a story, this can open up otherwise difficult conversations with people close to them. But where these works become public, this conversation is also with those they do not know, whose only contact is through that person’s writing, poetry or art. This public discourse is a means of living while dying, making connections with others, and ultimately, increasing the public’s “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29402101">death literacy</a>”. In this way, our <a href="https://www.thegroundswellproject.com/">conversations about death</a> become <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-end-9781742752051">more normal, more accessible</a> and much richer. There is no evidence reading literary works about death and dying fosters <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumination_(psychology)">rumination</a> (an unhelpful way of dwelling on distressing thoughts) or other forms of psychological harm. In fact, the evidence we have suggests the opposite is true. There is plenty of <a href="http://www.artshealthandwellbeing.org.uk/appg/arts-and-palliative-care-dying-and-bereavement">evidence</a> for the positive impacts of both making and consuming art (of all kinds) at the <a href="http://www.artshealthandwellbeing.org.uk/appg-inquiry/Briefings/WWCW.pdf">end of life</a>, and specifically <a href="https://spcare.bmj.com/content/7/3/A369.2">surrounding palliative care</a>. Why do we buy these books? Some people read narratives of dying to gain insight into this mysterious experience, and empathy for those amidst it. Some read it to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-neuroscience-of-your-brain-on-fiction.html">rehearse</a> their own journeys to come. But these purpose-oriented explanations miss what is perhaps the most important and unique feature of literature – its delicate, multifaceted capacity to help us become what philosopher <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/07/25/martha-nussbaums-moral-philosophies">Martha Nussbaum</a> <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/2026358.pdf?seq=1">described as</a>: […] finely aware and richly responsible. Literature can capture the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2003/apr/01/londonreviewofbooks">tragedy</a> in ordinary lives; its depictions of <a href="https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2016/08/12/martha-nussbaum-on-emotions-ethics-and-literature/">grief, anger and fear</a> help us fine-tune what’s important to us; and it can show the <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Love_s_Knowledge.html?id=oq3POR8FhtgC">value of a unique person</a> across their whole life’s trajectory. Not everyone can be creative towards the end Not everyone, however, has the opportunity for creative self-expression at the end of life. In part, this is because increasingly we die in hospices, hospitals or nursing homes. These are often far removed from the resources, people and spaces that may inspire creative expression. And in part it is because many people cannot communicate after a stroke or dementia diagnosis, or are <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/01/how-do-people-communicate-before-death/580303/">delirious</a>, so are incapable of “<a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691628554/last-words">last words</a>” <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Final-Gifts-Understanding-Awareness-Communications/dp/1451667256">when they die</a>. Perhaps most obviously, it is also because most of us are not artists, musicians, writers, poets or philosophers. We will not come up with elegant prose in our final days and weeks, and lack the skill to paint inspiring or intensely beautiful pictures. But this does not mean we cannot tell a story, using whatever genre we wish, that captures or at least provides a glimpse of our experience of dying – our fears, goals, hopes and preferences. Clive James <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/sep/01/clive-james-poem-story-mind-heading-obivion">reminded us</a>: “There will still be epic poems, because every human life contains one. It comes out of nowhere and goes somewhere on its way to everywhere – which is nowhere all over again, but leaves a trail of memories. There won’t be many future poets who don’t dip their spoons into all that, even if nobody buys the book.” Written by Claire Hooker and Ian Kerridge. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-want-to-stare-death-in-the-eye-why-dying-inspires-so-many-writers-and-artists-128061">The Conversation.</a>

Art

Synonyms to use that will make you a better writer

Put it in writing Good writing is considerate of its audience. You want to think about your reader and consider the best way to get your message across to them. Even in the digital age, the right word elevates your writing and the wrong one drags it down. If you’re writing in a business context, you want to make a good impression and come across as professional. You want to be efficient, but not overly dry. While keeping your writing clear of grammar and spelling errors is a given, you’ll also want to use words that avoid cliché and relay your message with aplomb. You’ll also want to avoid these overused words that make you sound boring. Instead of using “a lot” A lot is a descriptor that skews ultra-casual. If you describe your background by saying, “I have a lot of experience,” or convey your aptitude with “I have a lot of ideas,” you come across as too laid-back and imprecise. Laura Hale Brockway, at Entrepreneur, offers 32 alternative synonyms for “a lot.” She offers descriptors like “a great deal” or “a copious amount” as a stand-in for the informal term. Choose a synonym that elevates your message and offers precision like “myriad” or “several.” Instead of using “fine” “Fine” is a rejoinder to questions about either quality or physical health. However, it’s become so common that it now means “OK” or “average.” If you’re writing in a business setting or descriptively, “fine” seems polite, but there are other options that can get specific about what you’re describing. A simple synonym is “well,” as in “I’m feeling well.” You can also use synonyms like “exceptional” or “skilful” to describe quality. If you do mean “fine” in the sense of passable, use “mediocre” or “average” instead. Instead of using “very” Very is a qualifier that’s often overused. How many times have you peppered emails or business communications with this word? Have you ever written “I’m very excited about the upcoming project” or “Your work is very good?” Eliminate “very” unless it adds necessary and real meaning to the idea you describe. If it’s important then use synonyms for “very” like “remarkably,” “substantially,” “emphatically,” or “profoundly.” Otherwise, using “very” adds sloppy imprecision to your writing. Instead of using “great” Great is a superfluous term that often shows up in place of “yes” or “good” in written writing. It’s a shorthand term that conveys enthusiasm but has become so common that it’s lost its nuance as a descriptor. Consider more precise words like “choice” or “breathtaking” to describe a state of being or an object’s quality. Here are some more options from Daily Writing Tips like “deluxe” and “favourable” that get closer to the idea you’re trying to convey. Looking for more great synonym options for words like great? Instead of using “crazy” Using “crazy” (or “insane”) is common, but it’s an imprecise way to express what you really mean. Katie Dupere at Mashable explains that the term is insensitive and makes light of mental health issues. The term is also far from what you mean to say. Look carefully at what you’re actually trying to convey when you write, “The midterm was crazy” or “The project was insane.” It’s best to stay away from casual idioms in formal writing. You also want to stay mindful about how such terms could affect your reader. Consider words like “busy,” “intense,” “erratic,” and “wacky” as synonyms. Let the idea of what you truly want to convey be your guide. Written by Molly Pennington, PhD. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/12-synonyms-that-will-make-you-a-better-writer?slide=all">Reader’s Digest.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a>

Art

Australian writer Clive James dies aged 80

Poet, critic and star of The Clive James Show has passed away, aged 80, after a lengthy battle with cancer on Sunday in his Cambridge home. The Australian export was diagnosed with leukemia, kidney failure and lung disease nearly 10 years ago and endured his “ever-multiplying illnesses with patience and good humour,” a statement from his agent read. “A private funeral attended by family and close friends took place in the chapel at Pembroke College, Cambridge on Wednesday 27th November.” “He endured his ever-multiplying illnesses with patience and good humour, knowing until the last moment that he had experienced more than his fair share of this ‘great, good world’.” The beloved star first revealed to viewers his illness in May 2011, 11 months after he had first been diagnosed with the deadly disease. His career reached new heights for the better part of 50 years, not only making way as a successful TV star but as a writer who went on to publish poetry, essays, memoirs, literature and song lyrics. His dead-course, illuminating writing style peaked in popularity during the 1980’s and he became an influential powerhouse in media circles. On his show, he lampooned clips of absurd international television shows, including a Japanese contest called Endurance. As a prolific master with words, James firmly retained his fond memory of his British heritage, and often reflected on his time as the “Kid From Kogarah,” despite five decades of residency in Britain. His daughter Claerwen noted his father as "a showman and a recluse at the same time." In his latest years, James did not stray away from writing about his illness and in 2010 penned a newspaper column called Reports on My Death in The Guardian. He later said in 2016, his longevity after announcing his diagnosis was “embarrassing. His last poetry collection, Sentenced to Life, published in April 2015 was described by The Independent as "essentially, a love letter to Australia”. James made his last stage appearance at London's inaugural Australia & New Zealand Festival of Literature & Arts in June 2014. It was there he shared his charming wit and humour and the true poet within to his audience. ''The poetry I write now, I think, is quite a lot more penetrating and sensitive than my earlier work — because it needs to be,'' he explained. ''Inevitably you start saying goodbye. I like to think that I hit a sort of plangent tone of threnody, a sort of Last Post, a recessional tone." Vivian Leopold James was born in Sydney in 1939, changing his name to Clive as a child. James moved to England in 1962 and, after graduating from Cambridge University, remained there for the rest of his life. He is survived by his wife Prue Shaw and two daughters, Claerwen and Lucinda. Scroll through the gallery to see Clive James throughout his career.

News

A travel writer's guide to Athens

Most baby boomers 'did' Greece in the far off past and we have held that time fondly in our hearts - so, time for a revisit - there are bargains to be had. If you haven’t seen Athens since before the XXVIII Olympiad in 2004 you’ll see a very different city from 20 or so years ago. The underground Metro is fantastic, the stations immaculate and beautifully decorated and the service fast and regular; Syntagma Square has fewer cafes now and Omonia Square is buzzing during the day but pretty seedy at night. It's best to go back to basics in Athens and spend a day on the hop-on hopoff bus to reaquaint yourself with the city, see what’s new and stop off at unfamiliar spots. Then, walk... The Parthenon is the most important surviving building of classical Greece. Walking around the Parthenon, and trying to imagine the original scope of this magnificent site still sends shivers down the arms – now if they’d just tidy up those old broken columns! Next stop is the New Acropolis Museum, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, which houses all the remaining treasures of the Acropolis including the day-to-day objects found that belonged to the folk who lived around the base of the mighty mount. From inside the museum there’s a wondrous view of the sacred rock. This museum is user friendly and is full of interesting objects that will keep you enthralled for hours. Take a walk along the beautiful pedestrian road to Thission (with its ancient ruins alongside chirpy cafes and restaurants) and Monastiraki. Monastiraki and Avissinias Square are full of narrow alleys providing a haven for stalls and little shops. Visit the Agora, the focal meeting point of ancient Athens. The Agora, with its elegant, creamy columns provides a welcome relief on a hot and heavy summer day. The Agora museum has a fine collection of ancient jewellery and old costumes. Then take Amalias Avenue to visit the temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. End this tour in Syntagma Square in front of Vouli (the Greek Parliament) and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The much photographed guards dressed in the traditional Greek uniform change the hour in an impressive, stamping march. Bev's favourite places in Athens: 1. Acropolis 2. New Acropolis Museum 3. National Archaeological Museum 4. Museum of Cycladic Art 5. Benaki Museum (recently refurbished and extended) 6. DESTE Foundation 7. Eleni Koroneou Gallery 8. Byzantinon Restaurant in the Plaka 9. Kafeneion Restaurant in Kolonaki 10. Eleftheroudakis Bookstore 11. Metro of Athens 12. Athinas Street, meat market and fish market 13. Herodes Attikikon Theatre. Fact File <ul> <li>Bev Malzard stayed at <a href="http://www.novotel.com/">Hotel Novotel Athenes</a>, a 10-minute walk from Larissa Station.</li> <li>Feel the rhythm of the city in the Novotel at night next to the swimming pool with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and Lycabettous Hill.</li> <li>Visit <a href="http://www.novotel.com/">novotel.com</a>.</li> </ul> This story first appeared in <a href="http://www.getupandgo.com.au/">Get Up & Go</a> and has been edited. Written by Bev Malzard. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-athens.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Travel Tips

Ban the Haka? Rugby World Cup writer explains why it "needs to stop"

An Irish rugby writer has made a call to ban the Haka, claiming that it gives New Zealand an “unfair advantage”. In an article for <a rel="noopener" href="https://punditarena.com/rugby/emackenna/mackenna-haka-new-zealand-stop/" target="_blank">Pundit Arena</a>, Ewan MacKenna asked why officials are still “pandering to the dance”. “That’s unfortunate as New Zealand are justifiably big-headed enough without a massaging of their already massive egos,” MacKenna wrote. “Yet even World Rugby have it in their rules that to not stand on your own 10-metre line and watch a bunch stick out their tongues and slap their thighs is worthy of a fine and a telling off.” MacKenna continued explaining his reasoning, as it is an “attempt at opponent intimidation”. “There’s a practical reason why the Haka shouldn’t happen as, while it provides a psychological edge through self-inspiration and via an attempt at opponent intimidation, it also provides a small physical edge as others are forced to stand still and go briefly cold,” he wrote. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> The first <a href="https://twitter.com/AllBlacks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AllBlacks</a> haka of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RWC2019?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RWC2019</a>. New Zealand lay down the challenge to South Africa with intimidating haka <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZLvRSA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZLvRSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/leGlK5NFSk">pic.twitter.com/leGlK5NFSk</a> — Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/rugbyworldcup/status/1175346576753143808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">21 September 2019</a></blockquote> “There’s another reason too though as there is a huge lack of self-awareness about this. Again there are those who’ll say it’s native and it is to some, but the majority of New Zealand players haven’t been Maori. Instead, they descend from forefathers who were actually ruthless oppressors of natives.” Brian Moore, a former England international, agreed that the Haka has grown tired. “I’m getting bored of the Haka now,” he wrote on Twitter. “It’s a part of wider Kiwi culture and very important in many different ways. Perform it if you want, but opposing sides and fans should be allowed to do what they want in response.” Scroll through the gallery to see the Haka being performed at the World Rugby Cup over the years.

News

Tennis writer sparks huge Anna Kournikova debate – do you agree?

New York Times tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg has caused a bit of a stir after he made a shortlist of his most influential women in tennis history. It all started with a simple tweet from the International Federation of Tennis, who were celebrating Chinese New Year. The tweet was about Li Na, who was the first Chinese Grand Slam Champion. Na also went on to win the French Open in 2011 and the Australian Open in 2014 before retiring the same year. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Crushing stereotypes and inspiring millions, Li Na’s extraordinary journey to becoming China’s first-ever Grand Slam champion is a story like no other 🇨🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChineseNewYear?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChineseNewYear</a> <a href="https://t.co/8DGHCSXSlX">pic.twitter.com/8DGHCSXSlX</a> — ITF (@ITF_Tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ITF_Tennis/status/1092643226975010817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 February 2019</a></blockquote> This tweet was quick to make its way through the tennis media, with Women’s Tennis Association Insider podcast host Courtney Nguyen saying that Na was a lock for the top 10 most important women in tennis history. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> “Be the bird that sticks out.” Easily shortlisted for Top 10 most important women in tennis history. <a href="https://t.co/X7CoYJhJiM">https://t.co/X7CoYJhJiM</a> — Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) <a href="https://twitter.com/FortyDeuceTwits/status/1092679158461677568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 February 2019</a></blockquote> Rothberg decided to join in and named his top 10, which included Serena Williams, Steffi Graf and early 20th century champion Suzanne Lenglen. However, one name caught everyone’s attention. Anna Kournikova, who came in before Serena Williams on his list at number 8 and 9 respectively. The list is in chronological order, and not the order that Rothberg favours the players. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en-gb"> Oooh ooh I'll play this game ok: Lenglen Gibson BJK Evert Navratilova Graf Seles Kournikova Serena Li — Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1092827239077593088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 February 2019</a></blockquote> Safe to say, tennis fans weren’t happy with Rothberg’s inclusion of Kournikova. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en-gb"> ...Kournikova? <a href="https://t.co/luZwseJJJs">pic.twitter.com/luZwseJJJs</a> — Eve Honeywell (@captcitrus) <a href="https://twitter.com/captcitrus/status/1092875431869669378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 February 2019</a></blockquote> However, Rothenberg explained that she “paved the road for a massive post-Soviet wave that followed, completely redefined what success and value could mean in women’s tennis and changed how the sport was seen”. Kournikova was one of the world’s most known tennis players, although she never won a singles title. She had much more success in doubles, reaching world number one and winning the Australian Open doubles title with Martina Hingis in 1999. Rothenberg also pointed out that there’s a difference between importance and performance. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en-gb"> Ok upon further review, Graf is out, Venus is in. Everyone is getting mad about Kournikova, but “most important” is a *very* different metric from “winningest” or “most impressive.” — Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1092878761341652995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 February 2019</a></blockquote> Ken Merritt, who coached Kournikova, explained the influence that she had on the world in a <a rel="noopener" href="https://edition.cnn.com/2015/11/09/sport/anna-kournikova-tennis-sport-marketing-sponsorship/index.html" target="_blank">2015 interview with CNN. </a> "Construction workers were watching tennis, business people were watching tennis. It wasn't just normal country club corporate clients that were watching tennis now," Merritt explained. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/2rRkN1O20Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/2rRkN1O20Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by 🐾 Anna 🎈Аня (@annakournikova)</a> on May 14, 2015 at 1:43pm PDT </div> </blockquote> "Women's tennis had a lot of TV deals after she was playing. There's a lot of things Anna did for the sport that went well beyond the box scores of wins or losses." Were you a fan of Anna Kournikova when she played professional tennis and agree she brought a positive influence to women's tennis? Tell us in the comments below.

News

5 best events to see at the Sydney Writers’ Festival

The <a href="https://www.swf.org.au/" target="_blank">Sydney Writers’ Festival</a> is the Harbour City’s annual celebration of all things literary and a must-attend if you find yourself in the neighbourhood during May. But which events give you the best bang for your buck? We’ve thumbed out way through the festival guide to suggest five events that you must see if you’re attending this year. 1. Andy Griffiths – Are You Ready to Roll? He’s arguably Austrlaia’s most popular children’s author, and you don’t write more than 30 books without being part of a few interesting stories yourself. Are You Ready to Roll? is a hilarious collection of Griffiths’ side-splitting antics. 28 May 2017 2. Liane Moriarty – Truly Madly Guilty Few writers have the power to move a book like Liane Moriarty. Author of seven bestselling novels including her latest, Truly Madly Guilty, Moriarty will touch on her inspiration, process and research in this riveting examination of fiction in 2017. 23 May 2017 3. Jane Eyre: An Autobiography This captivating performance piece sees Rebecca Vaughan embody the ultimate everywoman Jane, as well as a range of additional characters in this gothic subversion of fairytale romance. This is an intimate study of love through Jane’s eyes. 22 – 28 May 2017 4. On Arrival Rebecca Huntley curates a conversation with some of the leading voices in the asylum seeker debate about challenges facing refugees settling in Australia. Speakers include Sudanese child soldier turned lawyer Deng Adut, Tim Costello, award-winning author A.S. Patrić and The Social Outfit’s Ruck Sar. No matter where you stand on the asylum seeker debate, this frank, forthright discussion will provide food for thought. 25 May 2017 5. The Book Club Always one of the highlights of the festival, this special edition of ABC TV’s The Book Club features Jennifer Byrne with regular panellists Marieke Hardy and Jason Steger plus a range of special guests. This one will sell out, so get in quick! 25 May 2017 Are you going to the Sydney Writers’ Festival this year? What are you planning to see?

International Travel

Rare photos of famous writers at work

They’re the visionary geniuses behind some of the most inventive, funny, scary, sad and thrilling books in the world, but have you ever wondered where your favourite author channelled all that inspiration into one little stack of paper? We’ve found 10 rare photos of famous writers working on their books, and you may be surprised to see some of their workspaces. To see them all, scroll through the gallery above. <ol> <li>Stephen King</li> <li>Agatha Christie</li> <li>C.S. Lewis</li> <li>Arthur Conan Doyle</li> <li>Ernest Hemingway</li> <li>George Orwell</li> <li>Ian Fleming</li> <li>Mark Twain</li> <li>Roald Dahl</li> <li>F. Scott Fitzgerald</li> </ol> Which of these authors is your favourite? And what’s their best book? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Books

Where great writers penned their literary masterpieces

Writers are a notoriously quirky bunch, and studying their habits is endlessly fascinating. In this infographic, we see where a few of them penned their masterpieces. Produced by Made to Measure Blinds UK, this infographic shows the cafes, pubs and huts where literary giants like Beatrix Potter and Henry Miller did their best work. To see it, scroll down. <img width="500" height="1144" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34754/infographic-part-one_500x1144.jpg" alt="Infographic -part -one"/> <img width="500" height="1175" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34756/infographic-part-two_500x1175.jpg" alt="Infographic -part -two (1)"/> <img width="500" height="1590" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34757/infographic-part-three_500x1590.jpg" alt="Infographic -part -three"/> How interesting! Do you have a favourite writer? Or perhaps a novel you would recommend? Let us know in the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you.

International Travel

6 inspiring female writers

We all need a pick-me-up every now and then, and what better way to get some easy inspiration than with a good book? These 6 incredible female writers will change the way you see the world. Maya Angelou Born to a struggling African American family in 1928, Angelou experienced great hardship growing up. Living off food stamps, suffering sexual abuse and family deaths, Angelou became involved in the civil rights movement. Her stunningly emotive semi-autobiographical book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) chronicles the struggles she faced in her youth. Angelou, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 86, is renowned as one of the most influential civil rights activists of our time. Margaret Atwood 76-year-old Atwood grew up in Canada and began writing at the age of 6. Her poems and novels are famed for their social commentary and feminist overtones, particularly in her book The Handmaid’s Tale (1985). The dystopian work predicted (at times, almost accurately) the US’ bleak future, including a totalitarian political state, stark division of the sexes, classes and races. Reading the novel, you’ll agree the world she describes isn’t too far off our own. Helen Keller Helen Keller overcame tremendous odds to become one of the prominent figures of her time. Struck deaf and blind after an illness at 19 months old, Keller never let her disability define her or stop her from living her life. She wrote 12 articles and many essays, but was mostly known for her political activism – in particular, women’s rights, worker’s rights. She was also a celebrated advocate for disabled people, right up until her death in 1968, aged 87. Keller’s autobiography, The Story of My Life (1903) is a must-read. The trials she has had to overcome are simply astonishing. Doris Lessing Nobel Prize-winning British author Doris Lessing had an illustrious career despite being born to a poor family and growing up in Zimbabwe. Her novels draw on her childhood and life as the daughter of a WWI veteran and showcase her radical (at the time) views. Her 1962 novel The Golden Notebook explores life after WWII and follows the story of Anna Wulf, a writer who suffers a mental breakdown. It is considered a feminist classic, inspiring women for over 50 years. Sylvia Plath It’s a well-known fact that Sylvia Plath’s life was not an easy one. Born in 1932, her father passed away when she was only 8. After missing the chance to meet one of her idols and being rejected from a Harvard writing seminar, Plath attempted to commit suicide. Subjected to shock treatment for six months, she wrote her famous semi-autobiographical novel The Bell Jar, chronicling Esther Greenwood’s descent into madness, based on her experiences in college. Plath sadly succeeded in ending her life at the age of just 30, and The Bell Jar was released a month after in the UK. Virginia Woolf Woolf made a name for herself in the ‘20s with works like Mrs Dalloway (1925) and A Room of One’s Own (1929), despite fighting mental illness for most of her life. As her most popular books, these novels highlighted Woolf’s progressive views about the roles of women, their access to education and their sexuality. Believed to have suffered what would come to be known as bipolar disorder, Woolf committed suicide in 1941 at the age of 59. Related links: <a href="/entertainment/books/2016/04/touching-lines-from-books/">20 most touching lines in literature</a> <a href="/entertainment/books/2016/04/best-books-to-read-in-autumn/">6 classic books to get you in the mood for autumn</a> <a href="/entertainment/books/2016/03/best-selling-books-of-all-time/">Best selling books of all time</a>

Books

Writer travels with no baggage new boyfriend

Travel is supposed to be the ultimate relationship test for any couple, but one writer took the concept to a whole new level. Clara Bensen had enjoyed just four dates with science professor Jeff Wilson, who she met on dating website OkCupid, before he invited her to join him on a summer holiday. He planned to spend three weeks travelling through Europe with no baggage and no concrete plans - nothing, in fact, but the clothes on their backs. Bensen, who lives in Austin, Texas, has written a book about the experience, No Baggage, which is set to be turned into a movie. Writing for Marie Claire, she admits her original response to the proposed experiment was an automatic "hell no". But she soon found herself arriving at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, with nothing but a green dress, a small handbag, and a guy she had just met on the internet. "The night before we left we sat on the floor and slowly whittled down our possessions into two tiny piles," Bensen writes. "My pile had a passport, iPhone, deodorant, contact lenses, tampons, a toothbrush, a cotton scarf, two pairs of underwear, and a few cosmetics. Jeff's had a passport, phone, notebook and map of the Balkans. "He stuffed everything into his pockets. My dress was pocket-less, so I brought a tiny handbag instead. The summer dress was another impractical choice on top of all the others. "I figured the trip was already so ridiculous – why not add a touch of elegance?" Bensen said the couple made it through Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, and the UK. During the day, they explored tourist spots and people-watched at parks and cafes, and at night they found places to couch-surf, bunking down with locals. "After a week, travelling without luggage became an afterthought to the adventure at hand," Bensen writes. "Aside from a roof, a bed and a bar of soap, I didn't need much. I felt no desire to go shopping – a departure from past holidays where I felt compelled to stock up on knick-knacks and mementos." As for the pair's fledgling relationship? The journey ended up bringing them closer together, Bensen said. "By some miracle – despite 21 days of travel, absolutely no privacy, and a shouting match on the side of a road – we still weren't sick of each other. That had to mean something." The initial travel experiment took place three years ago, and the couple are now living together, having made four subsequent trips since - to South America, the Caucuses, Scandinavia, and Japan. "One book, three years, and four more no-baggage trips later, I'm still so glad I said 'yes' to a crazy invitation," Bensen writes. "I wouldn't have it any other way.” First appeared on <a href="http://www.Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=content&utm_content=link1&utm_campaign=travel-insurance">Click here to read more about Over60 Travel Insurance</a>. For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/a-look-inside-first-class-cabins/">Inside 8 first class cabins that will amaze you</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/most-photographed-locations-in-london/">London’s 8 most photographed locations</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/02/holiday-ideas-for-animal-lovers/">8 holiday ideas every animal lover needs to experience</a>

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6 inspiring female writers

Writer travels with no baggage new boyfriend

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Travel

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Keep up to date

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Literary travels – destinations made famous by your favourite writers

The 5,000-year history of writer’s block

Writer's hilarious yet emotional obituary for her mother brings the internet to tears

The science of the plot twist: How writers exploit our brains

“I want to stare death in the eye”: why dying inspires so many writers and artists

Synonyms to use that will make you a better writer

Australian writer Clive James dies aged 80

A travel writer's guide to Athens

Ban the Haka? Rugby World Cup writer explains why it "needs to stop"

Tennis writer sparks huge Anna Kournikova debate – do you agree?

5 best events to see at the Sydney Writers’ Festival

Rare photos of famous writers at work

Where great writers penned their literary masterpieces

6 inspiring female writers

Writer travels with no baggage new boyfriend

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