AROUND TOWN: “Writing Fiction” and Janet Burroway

You know what’s one of the great things about The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame? How it brings people together, creating a warm sense of community. You know what else? How the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame enables writers to meet, talk shop, and learn from a maven like Janet Burroway.

Here’s a snapshot from a recent Zoom conversation, a Q&A with Janet about the craft of writing fiction and non-fiction. You’ll see some of my favorite writers — and human beings — here in mid-applause: Darwyn Jones, Erin Owen, Donald G. Evans, Katie Dealy, Michael Medwick (and that’s Mike Murray on the phone.)

Janet’s book, “Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft,” is a book every writer should own. It’s the most popular text book in writing programs and I’ve been re-reading it, gaining new insights. During the Q&A, Janet spoke with authority and empathy, having done and studied – and taught – the Work for many years. I asked about writing in the Third Person point of view because so much of what I write is First Person narration. “Your control of point of view instantly informs an editor whether you are an amateur or a pro,” she observed. “Point of view,” she added, “must answer four questions: Who speaks? To whom? In what form? At what distance?” Clear, practical, welcomed advice.