Comments on: The 5-Question Interview: Allegra Huston

By: Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:47:46 +0000

Another inspirational post. I love this: “nothing is right or wrong, it only has energy or it doesn’t.”

By: GutsyWriter

GutsyWriter — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:38:49 +0000

Just read your interview, although a little late. I did relate to what she said about inspiration, “I’m not sure I know what inspiration is like.” I was surprised to see that she offers editing. I thought she’d be too busy to do that with all her engagements. great interview.

By: Susan Cameron

Susan Cameron — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:09:19 +0000

Another great interview, Meredith. I’ve read every one on The Writer’s Journey so far, and I’ve taken away something valuable from each one.

By: Susan Matthewson

Susan Matthewson — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Terrific interview!! Allegra addressed something I struggle with all the time–those judging voices in the head that swirl and swarm in the hopes of paralying you. I’m getting better at turning them off and just “showing up” as she says and doing it. It’s helpful though to hear other writers struggle with the exact same problems I do. I tend to think everyone else is so talented and so good that they don’t have the doubts that I do, so it’s encouraging to hear as often as possible that they do struggle with the same things an unknown like me struggles with.

By: Liz Zuercher

Liz Zuercher — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:56:00 +0000

I love the idea of the disposable ten-minute writing exercises – writing practice. Those little scribblings can really shake the words loose sometimes and get you started in a new direction you never would have discovered otherwise. Thanks for the reminder, Allegra! Thanks for another great interview, Meredith!

By: The BIKE Lady

The BIKE Lady — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:25:00 +0000

Great interview. Loved her point about journals and writing. Plus, the fear of 300 pages. That's a Q/A I'd like to come back to in moments where I might feel a little anxiety over the work.

Thanks for sharing. I'm glad I stopped by today.

Jackie

By: CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR, MEMBER of the SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD COMMITTEE

CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR, MEMBER of the SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD COMMITTEE — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:23:00 +0000

Terrific interview! I love Allegra’s no-nonsense approach to inspiration – which underscores the essence of writing – THE HARD WORK! Inspiration is great, but work is essential.Thanks for the reminder, Allegra!

By: Amy Wallen

Amy Wallen — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:56:00 +0000

This piece both broke my heart (the quietness of Allegra's memoir dug deep into my compassion of growing up with self-absorbed parents) and also inspired me. Allegra reminded me that I don't have to start at the beginning.

That's the great thing about this blog. It's a weekly reminder of all the little things we have to use to keep our writing fresh. I'm all about digging myself into a rut, and something from The Writers Journey always pulls me out and sets me on a new track.

Thanks Meredith and Allegra!

By: Kim Hooper

Kim Hooper — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:46:00 +0000

Another great post. I like what she had to say about the writing phase vs the editing phase. I’ve separated my writing into phases, and that’s helped me quite a bit (especially when it comes to letting go of the fear of being wrong). I also like what she had to say about initial inspiration and the conversion to pure determination. I feel like writing is romanticized, and there’s a lot more discipline involved than people realize.