I have been interested in reading the Father Brown stories ever since I saw a film based on them. Which ones would you recommend? Are there also any Agatha Christie mystery novels you would consider good to read for a youth?
There is an excellent edition entitled "The Complete Father Brown Stories" published at Penguin Classics. There are also other similar editions with all the 53 Father Brown' stories. I strongly encourage you to dare to read this complete edition. As about Agatha Christie, it is brilliant and eccentric regarding the plots, but not so great when is about her literary style. Doyle is better, Chesterton is the true master of the genre. Anyway, when it is the novels of Agatha Christie, I always recommend - first - "Murder on the Orient Express."
Thank you! I think I will start with Father Brown. I'm sorry to hear that Christie's literary style isn't great. I like reading books as much for the plot as for the style of writing, so that is a bit of a disappointment.
This is always a dangerous trap for writers (especially those who venture into genres such as crime, science fiction and fantasy): to emphasize the plot and all the specific accessories related to the chosen genre, forgetting what is most important: the "hunting" of the beauty through masterly written words. It is easier to create a sophisticated plot, instead of working day and night to craft charm through poetry and prose.
It is hard! I aspire to be a writer, and I'm always afraid that my style of writing isn't as nice as that of other authors I admire. I have heard that Chesterton is difficult to read. Is that true of all his stories (including Father Brown) or only some of his works?
You must start to read Chesterton's works. And you will see. At the beginning you can try to imitate some of your favorite authors. But, in any case, you must read and write as much as you can. Otherwise you cannot discover your "voice" as a writer. And, of course, when you have something you think that is complete, you must try to publish your piece of work in order to receive feedback from your readers. In my opinion, this is the usual - and the best - way. Of course, at the beginning it will seem to be quite difficult. But the beginning is in difficult in any thing.
Thank you so much for your advice --- it is quite an honor to receive help from such a good and established author as you! God bless you and thank you for your work!
I have been interested in reading the Father Brown stories ever since I saw a film based on them. Which ones would you recommend? Are there also any Agatha Christie mystery novels you would consider good to read for a youth?
There is an excellent edition entitled "The Complete Father Brown Stories" published at Penguin Classics. There are also other similar editions with all the 53 Father Brown' stories. I strongly encourage you to dare to read this complete edition. As about Agatha Christie, it is brilliant and eccentric regarding the plots, but not so great when is about her literary style. Doyle is better, Chesterton is the true master of the genre. Anyway, when it is the novels of Agatha Christie, I always recommend - first - "Murder on the Orient Express."
Thank you! I think I will start with Father Brown. I'm sorry to hear that Christie's literary style isn't great. I like reading books as much for the plot as for the style of writing, so that is a bit of a disappointment.
This is always a dangerous trap for writers (especially those who venture into genres such as crime, science fiction and fantasy): to emphasize the plot and all the specific accessories related to the chosen genre, forgetting what is most important: the "hunting" of the beauty through masterly written words. It is easier to create a sophisticated plot, instead of working day and night to craft charm through poetry and prose.
It is hard! I aspire to be a writer, and I'm always afraid that my style of writing isn't as nice as that of other authors I admire. I have heard that Chesterton is difficult to read. Is that true of all his stories (including Father Brown) or only some of his works?
You must start to read Chesterton's works. And you will see. At the beginning you can try to imitate some of your favorite authors. But, in any case, you must read and write as much as you can. Otherwise you cannot discover your "voice" as a writer. And, of course, when you have something you think that is complete, you must try to publish your piece of work in order to receive feedback from your readers. In my opinion, this is the usual - and the best - way. Of course, at the beginning it will seem to be quite difficult. But the beginning is in difficult in any thing.
Thank you so much for your advice --- it is quite an honor to receive help from such a good and established author as you! God bless you and thank you for your work!