What Donna Tartt can teach us about creative writing

Donna Tartt is a critically acclaimed author of three novels: The Secret History, The Little Friend and The Goldfinch. Her books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold over 35 million copies worldwide. Tartt is known for her complex and suspenseful plots, her well-developed characters, and her beautiful prose.

Here are some lessons we can learn from Donna Tartt about creative writing:

• Read widely and deeply. Tartt is an avid reader, and she credits her love of reading with her development as a writer. She has said that she reads “everything I can get my hands on,” and that she finds inspiration in a wide range of genres and authors. If you want to be a better writer, it’s important to read as much as you can. Pay attention to the writing styles of the authors you admire, and see what you can learn from them.
• Be patient and persistent. Tartt is not a writer who churns out books quickly. She takes her time with her writing, and she is not afraid to revise and edit her work extensively. She has said that she “writes very slowly,” and that she “can spend years on a single book.” If you want to be a good writer, it’s important to be patient and persistent. Don’t expect to become a successful writer overnight. It takes time, effort, and dedication.
• Don’t be afraid to take risks. Tartt is not afraid to experiment with her writing. She is not afraid to try new things, even if it means taking risks. She has said that she “likes to push herself,” and that she “doesn’t want to write the same book over and over again.” If you want to be a successful writer, it’s important to be willing to take risks. Don’t be afraid to try new things and to experiment with your writing style.
• Trust your instincts. Tartt has said that she “doesn’t really believe in outlines.” She prefers to “start with a character or a setting and see where it takes me.” She believes that it’s important to trust your instincts when you’re writing. If you feel like something is working, go with it. If you feel like something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it.
• Get feedback from others. Tartt is not afraid to share her work with others and to get feedback. She has said that she “finds it helpful to have other people read my work and give me their thoughts.” If you want to be a better writer, it’s important to get feedback from others. Ask friends, family members, or other writers to read your work and give you their honest opinions.

Tartt is a unique and talented writer whose work has had a significant impact on contemporary literature. Her novels are complex, suspenseful, and beautifully written. They have inspired a new generation of authors who are writing in a variety of genres. By following her advice about writing, the novel you know you have in you could make real progress.