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LitChat: Margaret Atwood, AuthorThe following is the #LitChat conversation held through Twitter on November 30, 2015 with bestselling
and critically acclaimed author Margaret Atwood. #LitChat was founded in 2009 and is moderated by
Carolyn Burns Bass (@LitChat). www.litchat.com.
by LitChat a minute ago
LITCHAT @LITCHAT · 9 HOURS AGO
We're thrilled to have @MargaretAtwood as guest host of #LitChat today at 4pmET. ow.ly/VgjnC
pic.twitter.com/68OhyxNHCV
LitChat@LitChat
2 HOURS AGO
Welcome to #LitChat. Today's guest host is critically acclaimed and bestselling author@MargaretAtwood.
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
While #LitChat is underway with moderated convo from 45pmET, please don't use the hashtagunless contributing to topic. Thanks.
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LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
The easiest way to participate in #LitChat is through @Nurph. Just login at nurph.com/litchat,authorize and you're in the chat.
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
#LitChat was founded in 2009 and is moderated by @CarolyBurnsBass (@LitChat). Visit ourwebsite at litchat.com.
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
While everyone is gathering, please introduce yourself and let the convo begin. #LitChat
Keith Welch@Outraged_Poet
2 HOURS AGO
MS. Atwood, I was wondering...for you, was the ending of Maddaddam optimistic, orpessimistic? #LitChat
Jorie Loves A Story@joriestory
AN HOUR AGO
Hallo, hallo LitChattics how is everyone this last November day of Autumn? Looking forwardto chatting w/ @MargaretAtwood :) #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
We are so thrilled to have @MargaretAtwood with us today. She's a superstar author & greatperson. Welcome Margaret to #LitChat
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Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
Hi @LitChat and @MargaretAtwood! Sophfronia checking in for #LitChat
Keith Welch@Outraged_Poet
AN HOUR AGO
Keith here, in Bloomington, IN #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@Sophfronia @LitChat @LitChat Have we now begun? How do I post this? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
Ok I figured it out... I hit Return, right? #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
Yes, @MargaretAtwood, you've got it! #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Looks like you've hit the spot. Yep, just a return and your tweet hits the feed.(Not the fan.) #LitChat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
OK ask me anything (almost) #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
. @MargaretAtwood The nurph will automatically add the LitChat hashtag for you. #LitChat
Sam Butler@sam__butler
AN HOUR AGO
So excited about this! @LitChat @MargaretAtwood #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
Should earlier questions now be reposted so I can answer them? :) #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
We're going to talk mostly about writing and reading, but first, let's go back a bit. What was yourfavorite childhood book? #LitChat
James Knight@badbadpoet
AN HOUR AGO
.@MargaretAtwood is there a book by someone else that you wish you had written? #litchat
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Skye Wentworth@Skyeblue
AN HOUR AGO
#LitChat Thanks for inviting me. #LitChat
Keith Welch@Outraged_Poet
AN HOUR AGO
I repost: Ms. Atwood, I was wondering...for you, was the ending of Maddaddam optimistic, orpessimistic? #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
I think we're ok. No earlier questions. RT @MargaretAtwood Should earlier questions now be reposted so I can answer them? :) #LitChat
Abby Engerson@AbigailEngerson
AN HOUR AGO
Hello! thanks for the invite #LitChat
Xach Fromson@_mythogenesis_
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood What's your criteria for picking up a book by a new (to you) author, whenyou're looking for for a new book to read?#LitChat
Elizabeth MW@analyticeye
AN HOUR AGO
@LitChat @MargaretAtwood what's been the biggest surprise/revelation/reversal for you re:working with @wattpad? #LitChat
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Elissa Sussman@ElissaSussman
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood What is the book that made you fall in love with reading? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
I had a lot, depending on what part of childhood. Beatrix Potter + Grimms when quite young,then E. Nesbitt, then Sherlock Holmes.. #LitChat
Anderson Center@ANDCTR
AN HOUR AGO
Hello Ms. Atwood. Rosanne from BInghamton, NY I would like to know if you have any quirkythings that you have to do when writing? #LitChat
Ellen Degenerate@ZacharyNB
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Were you inspired by any Romantic poets? If so, which ones, and whataspects of their work do you most enjoy? #LitChat
Roxie Ablett@roxalox88
AN HOUR AGO
Hi, @MargaretAtwood Did you have Offred's 'real' name in mind whilst writing TheHandmaid's Tale? If so, can you share it? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@roxalox88 : I actually didn't, but readers have since figured out (using deduction) that it musthave been June. #LitChat
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LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood I can see all of those influences in your writing. #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
There are quite a few questions now in the feed for @MargaretAtwood, so let's give her time toscroll back and answer/ #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@ANDCTR: I wish. But coffee's about it. I don't like anyone else using my computer, but that'shardly quirky. I doodle a lot. #LitChat
Elizabeth@myushen
AN HOUR AGO
Want to ask Ms Atwood a question? Here's a great chance. #LitChat twitter.com/litchat/status…
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
. @LitChat @MargaretAtwood Yes, all those influences. I bet you were into the original, darkGrimm tales. I liked those. #LitChat
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WHHS LIBRARY @WHHS_LIBRARY · AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood: do you know this is the picture they use in high school literature anthologies?
#LitChat pic.twitter.com/JPIrK6ymhx
Yaroslav Levchenko@jarisleif
AN HOUR AGO
Hi, I'm a translator from Lviv, Ukraine. An admirer for Robert Herrick #LitChat
Ale Johnson@AleTheEditor
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Do you have to consciously alter your writing to be descriptive and engaging,or does it come naturally? #LitChat
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Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
AN HOUR AGO
Hi #LitChat and @MargaretAtwood! So nice to see you here. I had the pleasure of hearing youspeak at AWP in Chicago a few yrs ago.
Dominique@dom_dif
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood what advice would you give to your 18 year old self? #LitChat
tim@librariman
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood what are you currently reading? What did you think of the Sex Criminalscomic book series? #LitChat
Jorie Loves A Story@joriestory
AN HOUR AGO
@Sophfronia @LitChat @MargaretAtwood For me the darker Grimm reflected their tales themore I walked into retellings more directly #LitChat
Meredith Whitfield@hashtagmsw
AN HOUR AGO
.@MargaretAtwood What's your favorite rationale behind choosing one (or more!) of yourcharacters' names? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@ZacharyNB: Big Coleridge fan; in The Blind Assassin, a little homage. Loved Keats, didn't likeWW when young, have come round. #LitChat
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LITCHAT @LITCHAT · AN HOUR AGO
RT @WHHS_Library This one is now on @MargaretAtwood 's website: pic.twitter.com/31BWmQRdTx
#LitChat pic.twitter.com/tcz2yZcLzQ
Jorie Loves A Story@joriestory
AN HOUR AGO
@Sophfronia @LitChat Although, if I were to think on it, my brief readings of @MargaretAtwooddid paint reality quite darkly Hmm #LitChat
Eleanor Hirst@elleanorwears
AN HOUR AGO
Loving reading #LitChat with Margaret Atwood right now
Roxie Ablett@roxalox88
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Interesting I'll have to read up on how they got June! Thanks for replying!#LitChat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@hashtagmsw: So complex! 1. appropriate for chrtr + time+ place; 2. Saint's name? Saint ofwhat? 3. Can't be in the phone book. #LitChat
Torey Krepps@toreykrepps
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood What was your biggest influence in writing Oryx and Crake? #LitChat
Bobbi Jo Erichsen@BjErichsen
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood What radio station do you listen to? What kind of music do you like?#LitChat
Yaroslav Levchenko@jarisleif
AN HOUR AGO
@LitChat Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe #LitChat
Jorie Loves A Story@joriestory
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Did your readings of Holmes purport an keen interest in rooting outsociological observations in fiction? #LitChat
Emily Croy Barker@EmilyCroyBarker
AN HOUR AGO
Guys, @MargaretAtwood is on #LitChat RIGHT NOW. twitter.com/LitChat/status…
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@librariman:Haha, funny! (SexCrims) Reading lots of things.. the Giller shortlist, the NewYOrker 1940s collection (I was there). #LitChat
Vicki Ziegler@bookgaga
AN HOUR AGO
You've surely been asked everything in chats & interviews, @MargaretAtwood. What was thelast question to throw you for a loop? #LitChat
LaurenBaratzLogsted@LaurenBaratzL
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood As the inventor of the LongPen, do you have any other inventions we don'tknow about? #LitChat
York Underwood@YorkUnderwood
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Is it ok to be negative? Is it ok? Can it help writing? Is attempting to bepositive all the time actually good? #LitChat
Maury Feinsilber@mauryfeinsilber
AN HOUR AGO
What do you know now, writingwise, that the you of twenty years ago didn't even know to askor ponder? #litchat twitter.com/MargaretAtwood…
Eleanor Hirst@elleanorwears
AN HOUR AGO
Any authors you particularly admire for what they stood/stand for? @MargaretAtwood#LitChat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@joriestory: Loved the stuff about clothing! And boots. Like Dickens, folks loved him 'cause heSAW them + put them in fiction. #LitChat
Ellen Degenerate@ZacharyNB
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood On another note, have you read Tennyson's Lady of Shalott? Curious toknow what you think of that. #LitChat
Yaroslav Levchenko@jarisleif
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood What is your favourite English dictionary? #LitChat
Meredith Whitfield@hashtagmsw
AN HOUR AGO
.@MargaretAtwood W/Maddaddam's HBO adaptation (!), how do you feel abt rise of dystopianfiction as vogue material for film & TV? #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood The questions are coming in quickly. Just take your time. You can scroll backto see which one's you've missed. #LitChat
Sam Butler@sam__butler
AN HOUR AGO
What's the longest period of 'writers block' you've ever experienced? Do you have any methods toovercome it? @MargaretAtwood #LitChat
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Jorie Loves A Story@joriestory
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood I admit, the clothes held me at hallo too. Yes I could see that appeal areflective reality that is recognisable #LitChat
CL Black@BylineBlack
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Considering the depth/breadth of your career, are you able to view your workwithout an inner critic's voice? #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
Good advice! MT @LitChat @MargaretAtwood The questions are coming in quickly. Just takeyour time. You can scroll back... #LitChat
Easy Cheveezy@JCheval
AN HOUR AGO
What's your drink of choice @MargaretAtwood? #litchat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@ZacharyNB: I've read ALL of Tennyson. Was once a Victorianist. See homage in Lady Oracle.#LitChat
RobynMcIntyre@robynmcintyre
AN HOUR AGO
The questions are coming so fast and furious, I'm nearly afraid to jump in lest I be swept away,LOL #LitChat
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PBR@RossTime
AN HOUR AGO
What does it feel like when you sit down to write? Is it still a thrill to come up with words? Howdo you maintain your passion? #LitChat
Sammy@TheSammyLife
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Who is your favourite character your have written? And why? :) #LitChat
G.A.Taylor@GATaylor3
AN HOUR AGO
.@MargaretAtwood What advice would you give an aspiring author? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@JCheval: Single malt, no water, no ice. Good for the throat germs. Scots called whiskey TheWater of Life. :) #LitChat
RobynMcIntyre@robynmcintyre
AN HOUR AGO
Q: What is your biggest consideration in writing: theme, plot, or characterization? #LitChat
DeAnn Smith@DeAnnSmithkc
AN HOUR AGO
Wow. Choosing between Nancy Drew, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Trixie Belden and Oz series superhard. #LitChat twitter.com/LitChat/status…
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@TheSammyLife:Read&read. Write&write. You can throw it out, but keep those words flowing.You can't sing if you don't practice. #LitChat
Gabriella Pounds@gabriellapounds
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood You seem in engaged in contemporary debates on Islam/Muslims inCanada could this be a futre novel topic? #LitChat
Claire Bennett@ClaireB645
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood What would you say to weirdos like me who base their uni work onsurrealism in Oryx & Crake and Handmaid's Tale? #litchat
Jorie Loves A Story@joriestory
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Your writings are particularly bent towards revealing bits of humanity somemight rather keep hidden; sharper edges #LitChat
Mary Vensel White@mvw888
AN HOUR AGO
Happening now, people: @MargaretAtwood Taking people to school on #LitChat, LOL.twitter.com/MargaretAtwood…
Ellen Degenerate@ZacharyNB
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Thanks! We covered fishhook & tricks with mirrors in Cdn. Modernism classat Mount Allison todayDeeply Inspiring #LitChat
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Tyler Hixson@thixson95
AN HOUR AGO
.@MargaretAtwood advice for writers. Applies to any form of expression. Cool to hear herthoughts in #LitChat twitter.com/margaretatwood…
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@BylineBlack: Others happy to do that for me. :) I swim hard to keep my head above water. Noneed to see what's dragging you down. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@jarisleif: It's still the Shorter Oxford. THough I have a bunch of them. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@hashtagmsw: A surprise to me.. these things come in waves, but right now I think it's youngfolks' uneasiness about the future.. #LitChat
Mary Vensel White@mvw888
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood If someone has never read your work and wanted to know where to start,which book would you point them to? #LitChat
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood @BylineBlack That's great advice! #LitChat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@sam__butler: I don't get writers' block as such, but if I get stuck on something I switch andwork on something else. Try it! #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@gabriellapounds: Maybe not for me, but it's bound to come up in literature. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@TheSammyLife: Oh I would never say. The rest would be very cheesed off. #LitChat
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
AN HOUR AGO
@mvw888 @MargaretAtwood My personal favorite is The Blind Assassin. #LitChat
Erin Kilkenny@erinincolumbus
AN HOUR AGO
Margaret Atwood's advice to young writers! #LitChat twitter.com/MargaretAtwood…
Sammy@TheSammyLife
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Of course they would! :P Okay then, who is your favourite character thatyou've read? #LitChat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@mauryfeinsilber:I appreciate copyeditors more, because a good one keeps you from makingawful howlers. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@bookgaga: I was surprised the other day in #Guelph by a solitary bee in a box. (My dad didwork in such bees.) #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@mvw888: I would ask them their preferences. Historical? Alias Grace or Blind A. Future?#HMTale or #MaddAddam. Etc. #LitChat
Anthony Madigan@anthonymadigan
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood When you write about an alternative society/future, do you draw up ‘rules’first or create them as you go #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
I love this! So, so true. Gotta read, gotta write. Rinse, repeat. Always. #LitChattwitter.com/MargaretAtwood…
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
RT @MargaretAtwood @mauryfeinsilber:I appreciate copyeditors more, because a good onekeeps you from making awful howlers. #LitChat
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Bob@oneshotbobby
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood what would your extinct animal name be? #litchat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@toreykrepps: Robinson Crusoe in the bg. New Scientist in the fg. Rats Lice and History.#LitChat
Alix Hawley@alixhawley
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Which of your short stories has stayed with you most? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@JLyetGassman: Thnak you! #LitChat
Kristina Riggle@krisriggle
AN HOUR AGO
I'm excited and a little tonguetied to be in the same virtual space as @MargaretAtwood . Sawyou speak in Grand Rapids, Mich. #LitChat
Bob@oneshotbobby
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood what would your extinct animal name be #litchat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@AleTheEditor: If anything I have to cut back. I edit out a lot. "Too many words, Mr. Mozart..."#LitChat
Ellen Degenerate@ZacharyNB
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood my friend published 1st bookwould be overjoyed if you could take a peekand possibly RT amzn.com/B018A4AUG6 #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@WHHS_Library: Didn't know that! Life Magazine pic w.beloved Fluffy (named by 5yr old), thobrother Blackie helped w. the writing. #LitChat
Yaroslav Levchenko@jarisleif
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood How much time per day do you devote to writing, on average? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@gabriellapounds: Absolutely, but so also was 20th C History. (See the Afterword). Nothing inthere we haven't done. #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
. @MargaretAtwood How do you decide whether to write a novel or a short story? Or do you tendto work on both at the same time? #LitChat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@krisriggle: Waving at Grand Rapids.. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@ZacharyNB : I saved the link + will look it up later. #LitChat
Bailey Almberg@missalmberg
AN HOUR AGO
Are you ever surprised at some theme or message that someone has pulled out of any of yourworks? #LitChat
Bailey Almberg@missalmberg
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Are you ever surprised at some theme or message that someone has pulledout of any of your works? #LitChat
Yaroslav Levchenko@jarisleif
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood @AleTheEditor Following Orwell's six rules? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@anthonymadigan: I start with some "rules," but others emerge from the context as it develops.#LitChat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@Sophfronia: It's like sewing. How much material, and what can you make out of it> #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@missalmberg : Frequently! #LitChat
Torey Krepps@toreykrepps
AN HOUR AGO
@toreykrepps: @MargaretAtwood Any thoughts on the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of ahappier ending in dystopian novels? #LitChat
Bailey Almberg@missalmberg
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Craziest off the wall interpretation? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@jarisleif @AleTheEditor : Uh oh. I've forgotten what they are. :) #LitChat
DeAnn Smith@DeAnnSmithkc
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood how detailed does your first draft look like? Struggling with that #LitChat
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Michael@bookishmichael
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood would you consider yourself more of a Roz, Tony, or Charis? #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
. @MargaretAtwood I see. It depends on the fabric, its pattern and how it might be best cut.Right? #LitChat
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Have to say you were delightful at AWP. I laughed so hard. :) #LitChat
Ellen Degenerate@ZacharyNB
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood I passed this on to hershe is so humbled and asked me to thank you! So,thank you! #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@bookishmichael: Oh I think I'm more of a Tony. Short. Pedantic. Tho' I have my Roz + Charismoments. Now where did I put my specs? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@JLyetGassman ; Thank you! #LitChat
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Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
. @MargaretAtwood Also the thickness, the weave, all the possible textures. Wow, I get it.Thanks! :) #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@DeAnnSmithkc : Messy. Very messy. Tho' less messy now that we have computers and Cut +Paste. Some mess gets concealed that way. #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
Convo with @MargaretAtwood is burning up Twitter. Thank you for being patient as she gets toyour question. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@toreykrepps : It's probably best to leave some of the characters alive at the end, don't youthink? Gives us hope. #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
She's doing great! MT @LitChat Convo with @MargaretAtwood is burning up Twitter. Thankyou for being patient as she gets to... #LitChat
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Can you share the next theme/topic that is nagging you to write about?#LitChat
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DeAnn Smith@DeAnnSmithkc
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood which easier to write on first draft...dialogue or transitions ? Thank you foranswers #LitChat
DeAnn Smith@DeAnnSmithkc
AN HOUR AGO
Love hearing this motivating #LitChat twitter.com/MargaretAtwood…
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@oneshotbobby : Hmm. I'd have to think about that. Some sort of protobird, I expect. #LitChat
Yaroslav Levchenko@jarisleif
AN HOUR AGO
@LitChat @MargaretAtwood it's 11.40 pm here. Unfortunately have to leave this absorbing chatsoon #LitChat
Mary Vensel White@mvw888
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Who's the first reader of your work usually? #LitChat
Kristina Riggle@krisriggle
AN HOUR AGO
In what ways do you find the Internet age to be helpful, and/or harmful, to your authorial life?#LitChat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@JLyetGassman: I'm working on the Hogarth Shakespeare Project. My play of choice is TheTempest. Deep into it right now.. #LitChat
Yaroslav Levchenko@jarisleif
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood My Last question for today, How much time on average do you devote towriting? #LitChat
Yaroslav Levchenko@jarisleif
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood ie, per day #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@mvw888: Usually a few people who are readers but not in The Biz; then my agents. NOT mypartner! That way sulking lies. #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
AN HOUR AGO
. @MargaretAtwood @JLyetGassman Not surprised you'd be interested in a play whereShakespeare creates a world. Awesome! #LitChat
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
AN HOUR AGO
@MargaretAtwood Thanks! That's fascinating. The 1st Shakespeare play I read was TheTempest. #LitChat
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LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
Spread a Little #LitChat Love on #GivingTuesday litchat.com/spreadalittl…
LitChat@LitChat
AN HOUR AGO
Spread a Little #LitChat Love on #GivingTuesday Spread a Little #LitChat Loveon #GivingTuesdayIt’s time... tmblr.co/ZwPtDq1z4GPh_
Talks with Noreen@talkswithnoreen
AN HOUR AGO
I love to hear you talk about what being a Canadian writer was like when you started. Have youconsidered writing a book re that? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@jarisleif: It's not time, it's space. I try to do a set # of pages. (You can cheat by enlarging thetype + changing the typeface) #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@Sophfronia @JLyetGassman : There are a lot of unanswered questions in it. #LitChat
PBR@RossTime
AN HOUR AGO
What does it feel like when you sit down to write? Is it still a thrill to come up with words? Howdo you maintain your passion? #litchat
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Keith Welch@Outraged_Poet
AN HOUR AGO
What genres have you not used, that you're thinking of for the future? #LitChat
PBR@RossTime
AN HOUR AGO
(sorry to repeat myself) ;> #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
AN HOUR AGO
@DeAnnSmithkc : I haaate writing transitions. So, dialogue! #LitChat
Bailey Almberg@missalmberg
44 MINUTES AGO
What is the dystopia that is "too close to home" or "too soon" for you to create? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
44 MINUTES AGO
@LitChat : Ok what have I missed? #LitChat
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
44 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood @Sophfronia Definitely. Read it when I was 10 & felt so much pity forCaliban. Parents never censored reading! #LitChat
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Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
44 MINUTES AGO
Curious to see what you do w Tempest. RT @MargaretAtwood @Sophfronia @JLyetGassman :There are a lot of unanswered questions in it. #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
44 MINUTES AGO
You're doing great! Scrolling back to check. RT @MargaretAtwood @LitChat : Ok what have Imissed? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
43 MINUTES AGO
@bookishmichael: Did you get the answer? I have the feeling some things aren't posting..#LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
43 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood @bookishmichael To the name question? I saw your answer to that one post.#LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
42 MINUTES AGO
RT @missalmberg What is the dystopia that is "too close to home" or "too soon" for you tocreate? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
42 MINUTES AGO
@JLyetGassman @Sophfronia: Mine didn;t censor reading either. We were lucky. (They didn'tknow about Peyton Place tho.) #LitChat
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RobynMcIntyre@robynmcintyre
42 MINUTES AGO
@LitChat @MargaretAtwood When writing, is your uppermost consideration theme, plot, orcharacterisation? #LitChat
DeAnn Smith@DeAnnSmithkc
42 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood woohoo! Been writing today and only dialogue flowing out. Thank you againfor #LitChat
Abby Engerson@AbigailEngerson
41 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood if you could choose 1 of your books for teachers to assign students (912) toread what would it be and why? #LitChat
LaurenBaratzLogsted@LaurenBaratzL
41 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood We're all understandably! fangirling over you in #LitChat; which livingwriters would you get excited to meet?
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
41 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood @Sophfronia Ha! A bit offtopic, but mine didn't know about TheCarpetbaggers! :) #LitChat
Easy Cheveezy@JCheval
41 MINUTES AGO
I agree! @MargaretAtwood I'd love to join you next time you imbibe! #litchat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
41 MINUTES AGO
@LitChat @missalmberg: Think I've done those! Station Eleven has something like the 1919 flutho. My mum's family survived that. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
41 MINUTES AGO
@JCheval: Sweet! #LitChat
PBR@RossTime
40 MINUTES AGO
@LitChat @MargaretAtwood I asked a Q. Is it not coming through? #LitChat Feel funny, like aa question stalker. ;)
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
39 MINUTES AGO
@AbigailEngerson: Probably Oryx and Crake. Seems to be popular at that age. Or Handmaid'sTale, ditto, tho not as much scope 4 boys #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
39 MINUTES AGO
@RossTime @LitChat : OK ask again... #LitChat
PBR@RossTime
38 MINUTES AGO
What does it feel like when you sit down to write? Is it still a thrill to come up w/words? How doyou maintain your passion? #litchat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
38 MINUTES AGO
@RossTime : OK I think I found it. Yes I still love to write. To go through that door not knowingwhat you'll find... #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
38 MINUTES AGO
@RossTime @MargaretAtwood I saw your question and was looking for her response. Thanks forreposting. #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
37 MINUTES AGO
RT this for @MargaretAtwood in case she can't see it in her stream. #LitChat twitter.com/RossTime/statu…
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
37 MINUTES AGO
@robynmcintyre @LitChat : All of the above. But themes don't come first. They emerge.#LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
37 MINUTES AGO
We have only 10 more minutes with @MargaretAtwood. If you've asked a question, but haven'tseen a response, please repost. #LitChat
lady gargoyle@rednewsom
37 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood Are there genres of fiction you feel less comfortable writing? Would you everattempt them? #LitChat #AtwoodRomZomCom2016
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Sammy@TheSammyLife
37 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood @AbigailEngerson I'd say Handmaid's Tale would be an excellent way ofbroaching how politicised the female body is. #LitChat
Abby Engerson@AbigailEngerson
37 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood Thank you!! #LitChat
Chloe Kay@ChloeDKay
36 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood when writing historical fiction, at what point in the writing process do youresearch? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
36 MINUTES AGO
@robynmcintyre @LitChat : All of the above. But themes don't come first: they emerge as youwrite. Chrtrs + plot joined at the hip. #LitChat
PBR@RossTime
36 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood Thank you. Sorry for the snafu. I keep getting tossed off. I never want to losethe love of writing. #litchat
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JUDAH FREED @JUDAHFREED · 36 MINUTES AGO
This #WritingWednesday on #Litchat (4pmET), we will discuss traditional publishing versus indie or
self publishing. pic.twitter.com/b4gY6ayXZ5
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
36 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood @LitChat @missalmberg Kept thinking of The Stand at beginning of StationEleven. But liked Station Eleven a lot! #LitChat
Sammy@TheSammyLife
36 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood Of course they would! :P Okay then, who is your favourite character thatyou've read? #LitChat (Cheeky repost) #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
36 MINUTES AGO
@rednewsom : I'm not really a playwright. That's very specialized. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
35 MINUTES AGO
@TheSammyLife : Same answer. You think I want a bunch of slighted chrtrs on my case? :)#LitChat
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LitChat@LitChat
34 MINUTES AGO
Only five (5) more minutes with @MargaretAtwood. Ask your questions now! #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
34 MINUTES AGO
@ChloeDKay: Write first, research after. To see if you got it right, + to keep from getting boggeddown. My way; others different. #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
34 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood What did you learn about yourself while writing THE HEART GOES LAST?#LitChat
Frida Mar@friday_empress
33 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood do you create plot boards or just go w/ the flow in your writing process?#LitChat
Easy Cheveezy@JCheval
33 MINUTES AGO
Thanks! Msg me with time and a place and I'm there! @MargaretAtwood #wateroflife #litchat#askingoutatwood
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
33 MINUTES AGO
@RossTime @MargaretAtwood Type #LitChat into search bar & it will bring you right back.
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Amanda Blackadder@AMBlackadder
33 MINUTES AGO
@LitChat @MargaretAtwood what do you think of dystopian YA fiction? Eg Hunger Games,Divergent etc? #LitChat
Tameka (BloggerPoet)@tamstarz
33 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood I enjoyed hearing you speak recently at #BookRiot! Thank you! #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
32 MINUTES AGO
@LitChat: That I should really restrain myself from wanting to try absolutely everything. :)#LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
32 MINUTES AGO
Love the last question! RT @LitChat @MargaretAtwood What did you learn about yourself whilewriting THE HEART GOES LAST? #LitChat
LaurenBaratzLogsted@LaurenBaratzL
32 MINUTES AGO
@LitChat @MargaretAtwood I asked two but who cares??? It's been fun just reading the stream!#LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
32 MINUTES AGO
Intriguing answer! RT @MargaretAtwood @LitChat: That I should really restrain myself fromwanting to try absolutely everything. :) #LitChat
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LitChat@LitChat
32 MINUTES AGO
Share the joy of giving by donating to the #LitChat #GivingTuesday literacy campaign for@ReaderToReader. givingtuesday.razoo.com/story/Litchat… #LitChat
RobynMcIntyre@robynmcintyre
32 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood How do you know where to start the story? #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
32 MINUTES AGO
RT @MargaretAtwood @LitChat: That I should really restrain myself from wanting to tryabsolutely everything. :) #LitChat
Yaroslav Levchenko@jarisleif
32 MINUTES AGO
Thank you @MargaretAtwood and @LitChat for the most absorbing session. #LitChat
Sammy@TheSammyLife
31 MINUTES AGO
Lol, no I don't suppose you do. Thank you for answering my questions. You're awesome! #LitChat
lady gargoyle@rednewsom
31 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood It seems like a completely different creative wiring of the brain to me!Thanks, you're a big ol' inspiration! #LitChat
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Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
31 MINUTES AGO
@friday_empress: Plot boards? They sound like a good idea for others, Tried it once. Disaster.But that's me. #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
31 MINUTES AGO
Final question for @MargaretAtwood, do you read on a Kindle, Nook, iPad or other ereader?What's your impression? #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
31 MINUTES AGO
@robynmcintyre : I don't know. I plunge in. You can always change it around. Main thing is toimmerse yourself. #LitChat
RobynMcIntyre@robynmcintyre
30 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood Thank you your answer relieves my mind. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
30 MINUTES AGO
@LitChat : I've read on everything. Each platform is good for some things. Nothing's got it all.But why not both? #LitChat
PBR@RossTime
30 MINUTES AGO
Met many yrs ago in Northampton. Said something ridiculous, ie "I want 2 write like U when Igrow up." Thanks for not killing me. #LitChat
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LitChat@LitChat
29 MINUTES AGO
We're out of time with @MargaretAtwood today. She's a superchamp for keeping up with theflying questions. #LitChat
Maggie Dana@maggiedana
29 MINUTES AGO
Sorry I missed it. Margaret Atwood is a favorite author. #litchat
LitChat@LitChat
29 MINUTES AGO
Let's shout a HUGE round of THANKS to @MargaretAtwood for joining us today.APPLAUSE #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
29 MINUTES AGO
. @MargaretAtwood @LitChat I agree. I read both on paper and Kindle. #LitChat
Margaret E. Atwood@MargaretAtwood
28 MINUTES AGO
Good byyyeeee.. (Whirls up into the air like Mary Poppins) Or like.. NO WICKED WITCH OFTHE WEST JOKES, you kids. #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
28 MINUTES AGO
Yes! Great job! Thanks! RT @LitChat Let's shout a HUGE round of THANKS to@MargaretAtwood for joining us today. APPLAUSE #LitChat
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RobynMcIntyre@robynmcintyre
28 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood Thank you. Truly. #LitChat
PBR@RossTime
28 MINUTES AGO
I'm melting (Chatting here with MA) ;> #LitChat
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
27 MINUTES AGO
You're too much! Ha! MT @MargaretAtwood Good byyyeeee.. (Whirls up into the air like MaryPoppins) Or like.. NO WICKED WITCH... #LitChat
DeAnn Smith@DeAnnSmithkc
27 MINUTES AGO
So #litchat and @MargaretAtwood inspired me. Back to Elizabeth Woodville's death.#amwriting
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
27 MINUTES AGO
Thank you, @MargaretAtwood & #LitChat for a great conversation today! Enjoyed everyminute.
LitChat@LitChat
27 MINUTES AGO
Thanks also to all of you for joining @MargaretAtwood and @LitChat today. Now take her witand wisdom into your life and write! #LitChat
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Cassie@casstwts
27 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood #LitChat What is your favorite poem? If it's not one you authored, what isyour favorite poem that you wrote?
Sophfronia Scott@Sophfronia
26 MINUTES AGO
. @LitChat @MargaretAtwood Will do! Thanks again. #amwriting #LitChat
LitChat@LitChat
26 MINUTES AGO
Come back next Monday when @theAlexPalmer is here to discuss his creative nonfiction, THESANTA CLAUS MAN. #LitChat
Jeanne Lyet Gassman@JLyetGassman
25 MINUTES AGO
@MargaretAtwood Ha! There's no place like home (with your writing). Thanks again. Have agood week! #LitChat
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LITCHAT @LITCHAT · 18 MINUTES AGO
Thank you, @MargaretAtwood for your generosity of time and talent. Wishing you a wonderful
holiday season. #LitChat pic.twitter.com/9u2FA1MZKw