An interview with Charles Dickens
Weekly Writing Prompt No. 83
Hello everyone and welcome to the Christmas writing prompt. I wish each and every one of you a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.
A writing prompt for anyone who has managed to avoid them thus far can never be right or wrong. Its only purpose is to help you exercise your creative writing muscle, and it does this by taking you out of your literary comfort zone. So dive in, try something new and above all have fun.
For many years I hosted a weekly Thursday Throng interview. They were written rather than recorded and were housed on my WordPress blog and my favourite was the interview I had with Charles Dickens.
This month, it is my greatest pleasure to have the one and only Charles Dickens visiting the Thursday Throng. Charles hails from London and is married with ten children. He has been writing since 1833 with his first published work A Dinner at Poplar Walk. A Christmas Carol was first published on 17th December 1843.
The Review
A Christmas Carol is as much a moralising tale as a ghost story, framing as it does the consequences we might reap for our actions were we not to be a 'good citizen' with its requirement to care for our dependents and the needy. It is a perfect fit for a gentleman who concerns himself with the plight of those less fortunate than ourselves.
Ebenezer, the central character and 'anti-hero', is a penny-pinching miser who cares nothing for others and believes the only thing that matters is the making of money. One Christmas he is visited by three ghosts, of Christmas's past, present and future who each hold a mirror to his character and temperament allowing him the chance to redeem himself before it is too late. It is a dark novel with a rich seam of relevance in our 21st-century world and is well worth reading on Christmas Eve to a set of small and not-so-small children. Excellent.
The Charles Dickens Interview
What is one thing that people would not usually know about you?
What a strange question to ask as I cannot be certain that readers do not already know everything there is to know. Perhaps though, the fact that my nickname was Boz would be unknown to many.
What did the worst review you ever received say about you and your work?
I am unaccustomed to receiving reviews which are less than flattering to my works but I thought perhaps this from a fellow novelist, Virginia Woolf might suffice
"we remodel our psychological geography when we read Dickens as he creates characters who exist not in detail, not accurately or exactly, but abundantly in a cluster of wild yet extraordinarily revealing remarks, bubble climbing on the top of bubble as the breath of the creator fills them. And the fecundity and apparent ineffectiveness have a strange effect. They make creators of us, and not merely readers and spectators.”
My 'friend' the poet, William has also declared me to be a "very talkative, vulgar young person" and he claims never to have read a word I've written. And Henry James calls me "the greatest of superficial novelists". I am sure I do not know what I have done to cause such comments as these.
Are there any occupational hazards to being an author?
The potential for penury is an ever-present hazard to which each man who would be an author must subject themselves to.
Have you ever written naked?
My dear, whilst I have never been without my under or overgarments when writing or indeed in any other part of life, I have bared my soul for the world, surely that is enough nakedness for one life.
Who would you like to play you in a film of your life?
There is only one master actor who could possibly encompass my life successfully, I am referring of course to Mr Hugh Grant.
What is the best excuse you have ever had for missing a deadline?
It is surely no excuse but I am still keenly aware of failing my readers upon the death of my sister-in-law Mary. Not one but two instalments of my work were not forthcoming that week. Perhaps readers of The Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist will now forgive my lack of diligence.
Are you jealous of other writers?
I have no need for jealousy of other writers as I am often remarked upon as being the equal of Shakespeare. My fellows do not enjoy such lofty heights.
What is your favourite TV moment of all time?
I have enjoyed seeing my works immortalised beyond the printing press watching each and every attempt with care, noting the inaccuracies and inconsistencies that have crept in. My favourite though is A Christmas Carol featuring my old friend Alistair Sim.
The Prompt
This is a fun one. If you could interview any writer, real or fictional, who would you interview and what would you ask them? Why not share your favourite question and answer below.
If you feel like sharing your thoughts please leave a comment as I’m always curious to read what everyone creates.
And if you want to do a written interview with me like this one, just leave a comment below and I’ll message you back.
If you are a writer who wants to manifest your writing hopes and dreams from the practical and pragmatic to the esoteric and spiritual, or who would like to clear any subconscious self-sabotage you may be experiencing, why not work with me? To find out more head over to my website by clicking the button below.
With love, light, and laughter
Linda
x
(Image by Robert William Buss, 1875, Wikimedia)
ASK TERRY PRATCHET.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, what role do you see for stories and imagination?
o "Technology is just very advanced magic. But even the most sophisticated machine can't feel the wind in its non-existent hair or understand the profound joy of a good joke. Stories allow us to explore the universe without leaving our armchairs. Let's be honest, a good story can make you laugh until your sides ache, which is far more useful than most apps."
The Discworld is full of satire. What do you think is the role of humour in addressing serious issues?
o "Humour is the best weapon we have. It allows us to show the absurdities and the injustices of society without being preachy. Laughter can be a dangerous thing. It can topple tyrants and expose the naked truth. Besides, who wants to be lectured when you can be entertained?"
o
Death is a prominent character in your books. What are your thoughts on mortality?
o "Death is the ultimate leveller. We all get there in the end, rich or poor, king or coalman. That doesn't mean we shouldn't make the most of the time we have. Life is a grand adventure. Try not to take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the day. After all, none of us are going to get out alive."
Your books often feature strong female characters. What message do you hope to convey through them?
o "Women in my opinion are forces of nature. They are strong, intelligent, and capable of extraordinary things. The world needs their voices and their perspectives. I try to write characters who break down stereotypes and show the world what women are truly capable of."
What is the most important lesson you hope readers take away from your books?
o "To never stop being curious. To always be kind, even when it's hard. To never, ever underestimate the power of a good tea break."
o
How do you balance the fantastical elements of Discworld with the real one?
o "It's all about finding the humour in the human race. We are, a ridiculous species, prone to both great acts of kindness and appalling acts of cruelty. By placing these follies in a fantasy setting, I hope to make them a little easier to swallow, a little easier to laugh at. And maybe change."
What is your writing process like?
o "Chaos. Utter, chaos. Ideas come from everywhere – an overheard conversation, a newspaper headline, a bizarre dream. I scribble them down, then try to write from that. I have four screens. One for each of the characters in a conversation. Its mad, but the only way I can sort my mind out. That and a lot of tea breaks."
o
Do you think fantasy literature has a role to play in addressing real-world issues?
o "Absolutely. Fantasy allows us to explore the human condition in ways that realism sometimes cannot. We can create worlds where the impossible is possible, where the rules are different."
o
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
o "Read widely, write constantly, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The most important thing is to tell your story, to share your voice with the world. And remember, the best stories come from within, from your own unique perspective on the world."
An interview with Buzz Aldrin.
1. What was it like to take that first step on the moon?
• Buzz Aldrin: "It was surreal. The surface was a fine powder, every step kicked up, dust. The silence was absolute, broken only by my breathing and the static of our radios. It was a profound moment, one small step for man. A lonely, very far from home man."
2. Did you ever doubt that you would make it back to Earth?
• Buzz Aldrin: "There were certainly moments of trepidation. Spaceflight is inherently risky. But the training, the meticulous planning, and the sheer determination of the team instilled a sense of confidence. We had a job to do, and we were committed to seeing it through."
3. What do you think is the most important lesson you learned from your time in space?
• Buzz Aldrin: "Perspective. Seeing Earth from that distance, this one oasis in the vastness of space, it changes you. It makes you realize how fragile and precious our planet is. It's a humbling experience that fills you with a sense of responsibility for our home."
4. What advice would you give to young people who dream of becoming astronauts?
• Buzz Aldrin: "Study hard, work diligently, and never give up on your dreams. The path to space may be challenging, but it's worth it. And remember, the most important qualities for an astronaut are curiosity, resilience, and inventiveness."
5. What do you think is the next great frontier for human exploration?
• Buzz Aldrin: "I believe Mars is the next logical step. Establishing a permanent human presence on Mars would inspire future generations to reach for the stars. Unfortunately, I believe it is a lot further in the future than we think."
6. How has your life changed since walking on the moon?
• Buzz Aldrin: "There are lots of movie stars, but not many people have walked on the moon. In the early days I felt inundated by the media and parties. I'm still driven by a desire to explore and push the boundaries of human knowledge. I try to use my position to inspire others and advocate for space exploration. As the decades have gone on, people don’t automatically know my face. I like to holiday in Europe and many times, in hotels there, my wife and I have been chatting to strangers in the bar. Often the conversation turns to your job. When you tell strangers you are an astronaut. Most people don’t believe you. When you claim you went for a walk on the moon. They are ready to call the madhouse."
7. What do you think about the possibility of life on other planets?
• Buzz Aldrin: "Although the universe is vast and teeming with possibilities. Our planet is not in a state that others would want to make contact. They would have to be so advanced to come this far, that I think they would look on us as warring savages. I think the discovery of extra terrestrial life would be one of the most un-nerving discoveries in human history."
8. What is your favourite memory from the Apollo 11 mission?
• Buzz Aldrin: "I will never forget the moment I first set foot on the moon. It was an overwhelming sense of awe and wonder. I was on another world, a pioneer in a new era of human exploration."
9. What do you think is the most important thing we can do to ensure the future of space exploration?
• Buzz Aldrin: "Inspire young people. We need to cultivate a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. The world needs to work together to ensure future life on earth is sustainable. Mars should be a second choice. Not an alternative."
10. If you could travel anywhere in space, where would you go and why?
• Buzz Aldrin: "I'd love to go back to the moon, but ultimately, my dream is to see humans on Mars, to witness the next giant leap for mankind."