Handwriting and a chateau

A contributor to Daily Maverick makes 'The case for pen and paper in a fast-moving world' and mentions seeing famous authors' handwriting.

In the British Library’s Treasures Collection, I recently discovered a number of original manuscripts, including those of Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre and Virginia Woolf.

Looking at the physical pages, I was struck by how handwriting itself can also hint at a person’s personality and character, that digital texts by comparison can sometimes be inhibiting as a method of expression.

The manuscripts gave the impression of “working pages”, with parts of sentences crossed out, words inserted and phrasing adjusted.

It reminded me of the care involved with crafting a manuscript or original document – first in setting the words down on the page, second in perfecting them, and third in the process of editing and eliminating to reach an improved overall effect.

Skipping the written word in favour of digital convenience may quietly limit both our creativity and the quality of our work. The slower pace of handwriting gives us space to consider our words more carefully, refining both clarity and intent as we go. (Louise Janovsky)

Newcastle Herald recommends The Chateau on Sunset by Natasha Lester.

The 10th novel by Perth-based Natasha Lester boldly blends the beloved story of Jane Eyre with the vibrant history of Hollywood from the 1950s to the 1970s. After the death of her parents, young Aria Jones is sent to live with her reclusive starlet aunt at the Chateau Marmont, a hotel on Hollywood Boulevard with a notorious reputation. After learning a secret that will haunt her childhood, Aria finds solace and anonymity in the hotel's library. When the hotel is sold to a mysterious rock star and his troubled daughter, Aria has the opportunity to be much more than invisible.

Salamanca al día (Spain) tells about a recent event about the lives and works of the Brontë sisters.