Ron Butlin gave us such an enjoyable evening – as well as information and advice about writing poetry, novels and short stories, plays and libretti. What versatility! Perhaps the result of an adaptibility to jobs as varied as barnacle busting, modelling and serving as a footman.
Going with the flow was part of his writing technique, too, as he suggested we do not think till well on in the writing process. “Just start with a few words and let your imagination drift till you find what the piece means to say THEN transform yourself into reader rather than writer by thinking about what you have written and polishing it.” With a longer work the few words became a few 7 or 8 page pieces to be linked at the thinking end of the process.
All this delivered in a friendly, relaxed manner which was not at all dogmatic . (This works for me but does not suit all writers.) I am sure a number of us will try this revolutionary process for ourselves.
Ron included us all from the start and gave us an insight into working with radio producers, composers and actors.
Altogether a most interesting and inspiring evening.
Marion Montgomery