One of my assignments for my MA class this week was to make a list of things which have inspired or influenced me as a writer. My list is quite eclectic so I thought I would share it with you.
Saturday Night Sunday Morning 1960
Set in Nottingham this is one of my favourite films. The gorgeously arrogant Arthur Seaton (played by an impossible beautiful Albert Finney) probably one of cinemas great anti heroes. Contains one of my favourite lines ever from a film “don’t let the bastards grind you down” This advice has taken me far.
The Lovely Bones Alice Seabold
This book told through the eyes of a murdered girl is wonderful.Although Seabolds depiction of heaven has been widely criticised I read this book in one sitting on a flight and adored it. “These were the lovely bones that had grown around my absence” what a line.
Whatever happened to baby Jane 1962
A cautionary tale for all potential stage mothers. Bette Davies and Joan Crawford are fabulous in this film as the unhinged "baby Jane" and her long suffering sister Blanche. To make viewing this even more delicious read "The Divine Feud" the book which catalogues how the two actresses hated each other in real life. Great for make up tips too.
Documentary-Grey gardens
This documentary is fascinating and I have watched it many times-it has influenced me hugely especially in regard to wearing headscarf’s. The film depicts the everyday lives of two reclusive socialites who are related to Jackie Kennedy and live in a dilapidated mansion called Grey gardens.
Art- Frieda Kahlo,
Self-Portrait with Monkey1938
Every woman should have a portrait of herself with a monkey painted once in her life.
The Catcher I the Rye-J. D. Salinger
My mum gave me this book to read when I was finding adolescence a particular struggle “this will help you make sense of it all” she promised rather mysteriously. I read it, it did.
How To Be a Woman-Caitlin Moran
Although I am quite comfortable that I know how to be a woman I still enjoyed this book enormously. Any book whose first chapter is all about masturbating to Jilly coopers Riders is fine by me.
.JPG)
