> The book includes some ideas and readings that will bear revisiting. For instance, a couple of writers collaborated on what they called "microfictions". This involved one of them writing critiques of short stories which did not yet exist, and then the other one writing the stories based on those critiques.
That's a great idea! I wonder if I can lure a friend into doing that with me.
Terry, I had never heard of oulipo and was delighted to read your article. Clearly, my education was sadly lacking. But I’m excited to try it and to get the Penguin book.
Great post! The Penguin book resides in my bedside table reading stack as I write this - dipping in and out of it is great fun (though it doesn't exactly aid getting to sleep). Would love to collaborate on some microfictions ... perhaps even some lipogrammatic ones?!
I keep meaning to give these a try! I definitely find having some constraint helps with creativity. Maybe I’ll give the penguin book a look for starters... thanks for making us aware of this technique!
It's fascinating stuff, and I likely never would have known about this without your series of Oulipos.
"The book includes some ideas and readings that will bear revisiting. For instance, a couple of writers collaborated on what they called "microfictions". This involved one of them writing critiques of short stories which did not yet exist, and then the other one writing the stories based on those critiques."
I'm game. Once semester is over in about a month and I have my life back!
Soooo fascinating! Loved this: "one of the aims of the Oulipo is to generate potential literature" - that potential is a very deep seam to be mined and offers sooooo much to the writer, as you've been demonstrating so wonderfully with your weekly 'Experiments in style'.
The art connection was really, really interesting. When I was at school - and indeed in other learning environments - I have only ever come across constraining myself - as a lesson concept, I mean - in a fine-art context rather than a literary one. Pretty soon I need to start challenging myself with both Oulipo and Oupeinpo!
Can't wait for your podcast episode with Kathleen! And to trying a whole load of this stuff out myself.
Yes, thanks Rebecca. When I was at school the art teacher set us an exercise in which we had to paint something but only using one color and its various shades. I realize now that, whether he knew it or not, that was an example of oupeinpo 😃
Constraints for creativity all the way. This is a great explanation of what you’ve been investigating. Look forward to sharing our podcast conversation on this topic in a few days!
> For example, writing a text in which every word starts with the same letter (a technique known as “autogram”).
I assume you mean tautogram? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tautogram
> The book includes some ideas and readings that will bear revisiting. For instance, a couple of writers collaborated on what they called "microfictions". This involved one of them writing critiques of short stories which did not yet exist, and then the other one writing the stories based on those critiques.
That's a great idea! I wonder if I can lure a friend into doing that with me.
Yes, in fact id meant to correct that. Done now. Thanks for pointing it out. If you do do the micro fiction thing, do share!
Terry, I had never heard of oulipo and was delighted to read your article. Clearly, my education was sadly lacking. But I’m excited to try it and to get the Penguin book.
Hope you enjoy the book, and do share your efforts!
"writing critiques of short stories which did not yet exist, and then the other one writing the stories based on those critiques"
so fun. :)
Great post! The Penguin book resides in my bedside table reading stack as I write this - dipping in and out of it is great fun (though it doesn't exactly aid getting to sleep). Would love to collaborate on some microfictions ... perhaps even some lipogrammatic ones?!
Ps I've not done this before, so results should be interesting!
I have no doubt they'll be interesting! Drop me a line whenever you're ready.
Fantastic, Bryan. Let's try it out! Perhaps sort by email? I'll drop you a line in themselves days 😃
I keep meaning to give these a try! I definitely find having some constraint helps with creativity. Maybe I’ll give the penguin book a look for starters... thanks for making us aware of this technique!
i'm sure you will really enjoy it
It's fascinating stuff, and I likely never would have known about this without your series of Oulipos.
"The book includes some ideas and readings that will bear revisiting. For instance, a couple of writers collaborated on what they called "microfictions". This involved one of them writing critiques of short stories which did not yet exist, and then the other one writing the stories based on those critiques."
I'm game. Once semester is over in about a month and I have my life back!
Fantastic, Nathan! I've never done this before, but it could be brilliant. I'll drop you an email 😃👍
😁
I also have to finish a certain other piece for you first haha. I don't want to become "that unreliable guy"...
It's cos we're all so busy. I owe Brad Kyle a post, which I've been working on but it's not there yet 😱
Reassuring to hear 😃
Soooo fascinating! Loved this: "one of the aims of the Oulipo is to generate potential literature" - that potential is a very deep seam to be mined and offers sooooo much to the writer, as you've been demonstrating so wonderfully with your weekly 'Experiments in style'.
The art connection was really, really interesting. When I was at school - and indeed in other learning environments - I have only ever come across constraining myself - as a lesson concept, I mean - in a fine-art context rather than a literary one. Pretty soon I need to start challenging myself with both Oulipo and Oupeinpo!
Can't wait for your podcast episode with Kathleen! And to trying a whole load of this stuff out myself.
Yes, thanks Rebecca. When I was at school the art teacher set us an exercise in which we had to paint something but only using one color and its various shades. I realize now that, whether he knew it or not, that was an example of oupeinpo 😃
Constraints for creativity all the way. This is a great explanation of what you’ve been investigating. Look forward to sharing our podcast conversation on this topic in a few days!
Thanks, Kathleen. Me too 👍