A Goodreads user
asked
Amor Towles:
Thank you for sharing a detailed and informative response to Mr Tibdewal's question. So generous of you and so helpful to those of us working on developing both aspects of our writing. Would you agree that the richness of the structure supports the framework of a creative imagination? How does one develop a structure of one's own?
Amor Towles
Axel,
There are many elements of craft worth mastering in service of a novel: plot, characterization, setting, dialogue, tone of voice, point of view, imagery, poetics. Structure certainly deserves an important place on this list, in my view. Some writers will develop a particular approach to these elements and apply them repeatedly to different stories (man genre writers work that way). I generally try to discover the appropriate version of each element for the individual story I'm telling.
There are many elements of craft worth mastering in service of a novel: plot, characterization, setting, dialogue, tone of voice, point of view, imagery, poetics. Structure certainly deserves an important place on this list, in my view. Some writers will develop a particular approach to these elements and apply them repeatedly to different stories (man genre writers work that way). I generally try to discover the appropriate version of each element for the individual story I'm telling.
More Answered Questions
Robert M Josephs
asked
Amor Towles:
When describing your books to someone who hasn't read one, I tell them to think of a time when you have heard someone make a statement and said, "I don't think I ever heard that said better." Now imagine reading a book where every sentence is worded in just such a way. Is that natural for you, or do you have to work and re-work the phrasing? I'm trying to write in the same way, but it isn't easy.
Katie
asked
Amor Towles:
Hi! Really wanted to thank you for a Gentleman in Moscow- am not exaggerating when I say it really has changed our outlook on life and is beloved by both my husband and I. My question is a bit trivial: I'll be attempting the Bouillabaisse this weekend, and the Absinthe chapter is one of my favourites in the novel. I can't seem to find absinthe in any recipes of bouillabaisse- is there a story here?
Diane Hudson
asked
Amor Towles:
I am facilitating a book club discussion over Gentleman in Moscow. What do you think is the most important information to discuss about this book? What do you want people to know about your writing process? What type of questions did you ask yourself as you were creating the characters?
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