Techniques and advice

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Viewing guide

Before

What techniques does Tara draw on to engage her readers?
How does reading influence her work?

During

During the video, think about these questions:

What advice does Tara offer students to improve their writing?
Why does Tara mention ‘be true to yourself and your story’? Why would this matter?

After

How could your life experience impact on your writing?
How would you describe your reading habits?
How does reading influence your work?
What techniques engage you as a reader?

Bill Spence: What techniques do you use to engage the reader?

Tara June Winch: I think I just try to be honest about the subject and hope that that comes through in my writing; and not trying to trick a reader or convince them that this is a certain style, a certain genre, that needs to be taken this way; so just trying to be relaxed with the words and be honest with the subject and have fun with it. Hopefully that engages the reader.

Bill: You mentioned reading. Do you like reading, and how do you see that that influences your work?

Tara: I enjoy reading a lot. I read everything from newspapers to magazines to novels to nonfiction. And it does influence my writing: just picking up little bits of life or a clipping or just to inspire words in you and ideas. I think reading is a really important task; even if I'm not writing I make sure I'm reading something, exercising my mind.

Bill: What tips would you give to students who aspire to be writers?

Tara: Just to keep reading and keep writing if that's what they want to do, and do it for the right reasons I suppose, and, yeah, just be true to yourself and your story and enjoy it along the way.

Bill: Tara thank you for speaking with me and for sharing your insights into writing.

Tara: Thank you.