Techniques and advice
Viewing guide
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What techniques does Tara draw on to engage her readers?
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How does reading influence her work?
During the video, think about these questions:
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What advice does Tara offer students to improve their writing?
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Why does Tara mention ‘be true to yourself and your story’? Why would this matter?
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How could your life experience impact on your writing?
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How would you describe your reading habits?
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How does reading influence your work?
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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.
Videos
Tara’s inspiration
The writing process
Characterisation
Techniques and advice
