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Meg Waite Clayton

Author of the international bestsellers The Postmistress of Paris, The Last Train to London, and 6 other novels

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September 15, 2013 By Meg Waite Clayton

5 Fun Tips on Writing and on Life – from Agatha Christie on the Occasion of her Birthday

Author-Agatha-ChristieAgatha Christie was born 123 years ago today–an old bird by any measure, and yet she remains one of the most read authors ever. Here are a few tips from the master to consider next time you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), or simply lean in to life:
On character:

You know that in all tombs there is always a false door? … Well, people are like that too. They create a false door – to deceive. If they are conscious of weakness, of inefficiency, they make an imposing door of self-assertion, of bluster, of overwhelming authority – and, after a time, they get to believe in it themselves. They think, and everybody thinks, that they are like that. But behind that door … is a bare rock … And so when reality comes and touches them with the feather of truth – their true self reasserts itself.” (from Death Comes as the End)

and

“Curious things, habits. People themselves never knew they had them.” (from “The Witness for the Prosecution”)

One to keep in mind when you’re submitting work:

“Courage is the resolution to face the unforeseen.” (from Death Comes at the End)

On persistence:

“The stories all returned promptly with the usual slip: ‘The Editor regrets…’ Then I would parcel them up again and send them off to some other magazine.” (from her autobiography)

And the last, from her autobiography, is as true about characters as it is about real life love:

“It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous, that you realize just how much you love them.”

With that, I’m off to be a little ridiculous! Happy Birthday, Agatha Christie! – Meg
 
 
 
 

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Filed Under: Writing Quotes and Other Literary Fun, Writing Tips

Meg Waite Clayton


Meg Waite Clayton is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of eight novels, including the Good Morning America Buzz pick and New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice THE POSTMISTRESS OF PARIS, the National Jewish Book Award finalist THE LAST TRAIN TO LONDON, the Langum-Prize honored THE RACE FOR PARIS, and THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS, one of Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Essential Best Friend Novels of all time. Her novels have been published in 23 languages. She has also written more than 100 pieces for major newspapers, magazines, and public radio, mentors in the OpEd Project, and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle and the California bar. megwaiteclayton.com

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