ADVICE TO WRITERS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 25, 31 January 1933, Page 11

ADVICE TO WRITERS

MISS SCANLAN'S VIEWS

Opportunities of meeting writers and journalists who have won definite places in the world of literature are rarely given to the younger writers of New Zealand, and it is certainly on rare occasions that they have been privileged- to listen to such sound advice as was given last evening by Miss Nolle Scanlan, who was the guest of the New Zealand Writers' and Artists' Society, at Lady Hunter's home in Dixon street. The gathering was delightfully informal, and Miss Scanlan spoke with her characteristically illuminating touch.

Her first remarks, were addressed to "those who aspire to literature through journalism," which, she said, was the only way in New Zealand. The recognition of news value and the value of "telling" brevity Miss Scanlan emphasised, interspersing. her remarks with, amusing anecdotes drawn from her own experiences behind' the scenes in newspaper offices. Above all, she stressed the value of sincerity in writing.

Descriptions of personalities whose names are of household interest were eagerly listened to, and members were delighted to receive first-hand information, sometimes with very human touches, of their favourite authors. Miss Scanlan described meeting with such people as Wells, Galsworthy Chesterton, Belloc, Priestley, and many other famous people at literary clubs in London and Paris.