Writer's Routine Sebastian Faulks, author of 'Birdsong' - Bestselling literary writer discusses editing help, being around at the right time, and thinking about each sentence
Sep 18, 2025
Join bestselling novelist Sebastian Faulks, renowned for 'Birdsong' and 'Charlotte Gray', as he delves into the art of writing. He compares novel-writing to puzzles, sharing insights on his creative process and the transition from typewriter to computer. Faulks discusses his rigorous daily writing habits, the joy of polishing sentences, and the serendipity of publishing during a literary boom. Discover the pivotal moments in his career that shaped his literary journey and his thoughts on what makes fiction resonate with readers.
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Writing Is Like Solving a Puzzle
- Sebastian compares novel-writing to solving a complex puzzle or cryptic crossword where answers click after stepping away.
- Creative progress often comes from letting the mind reset and returning with a fresh angle.
Tool Changes Alter Your Writing Mindset
- Switching from typewriter to computer changed his relationship to the physical evidence of work and made him wary of slackening style.
- He feared easy edits would alter discipline, but ultimately style is dictated by the book's needs.
Style Follows Subject And Word Choice
- Faulks describes his typical style as elegant, sometimes florid, tailored to each book's subject.
- He notices his word choices (often with classical roots) shape tone more than conscious effort.
