Episode 406 THE GREAT AMERICAN AUTHORS (Part 4) Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou

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This episode looks at two literary giants and includes their writing tips. It also features the only writer in our entire series our host, Randal Wallace,  actually met, Maya Angelou. Mrs. Morrison was at the time of her passing, America's only living Nobel Laureate for writing. This is an inspiring episode for any aspiring authors and for everyone else too. 

Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison advised writers to embrace the revision process, to write without considering an audience, and to trust the stories that demand to be told. Her writing method was deeply personal, relying on a pre-dawn ritual and an intimate focus on her characters. 

Begin with self-authorship

• Write the book you want to read. 
• Ignore the "white gaze."  
• for honesty and truth rather than for applause.
• Write for the characters, not an audience. 

Trust the creative process

• Find your ideal creative space.
• Start with an image. 
• Be open to what your writing tells you.

Embrace revision and growth

• Revision is where the real work begins. 
• Know the difference between revision and "fretting." 
• Recognize missed opportunities. 

• Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou emphasized discipline, emotional truth, and mastery of language as essential for writers. Her own writing process was a dedicated ritual that supported her creative work. 

Embrace a disciplined routine

Angelou held great respect for the craft of writing and maintained a consistent, structured process.

• Create a separate workspace

Write consistently

• Edit and revise

Write from the heart

For Angelou, the goal of writing was to reach the reader's heart and help them feel connected to the shared human experience.

• Tell the truth, not just the facts
• Share your story to help others : She said, "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song".
• Move beyond bitterness. 

Master the craft of language

Angelou believed that creative inspiration was nothing without the discipline to master one's tools.

• Use words to create emotion 
• Take familiar words and make them new: 
• Engage the senses

Believe in your creative capacity

Angelou taught that creativity is an endless resource that only grows through use.

• Creativity is a muscle: She famously stated, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have".
• Dare to be creative: 
• Make writing a necessity:  

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