News and Interviews

#WritingTips Mondays: Kurt Vonnegut on the Importance of Being Sadistic

Kurt Vonnegut was one of the best loved writers of the twentieth century, known for his wit and playfulness, as well as the strong socio-political undercurrent in much of his writing.

Before his death in 2007, Vonnegut shared his tips for fellow writers with The Atlantic. His advice tells writers to make sure they aren't overprotective of their characters, to focus on the ideal reader while writing, and includes his famous quote that "Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water."

Check out Vonnegut's tips for inspiration from one of the greats!


Grace O'Connell is the Contributing Editor for Open Book: Toronto and the author of Magnified World (Random House Canada). She also writes a book column for This Magazine.

For more information about Magnified World please visit the Random House Canada website.

Buy this book at your local independent bookstore or online at Chapters/Indigo or Amazon.

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