The fundamentals for me are character and conflict. I put character first because readers will be indifferent to conflict if they are indifferent to the character who is experiencing it. Lynn Coady characterconflictexperience Change image and share on social
While Person A might believe the kitchen counter provides a reasonable surface on which to place one's balled-up sweatsocks post-gym, Person B - about to cut up some vegetables on that same counter, perhaps for a meal intended to be shared with Person A - can only read the sockball as a message that says, 'Hi! I have contempt for you!' Lynn Coady ballcontemptcounter share on social
It's a moral absolute: If you are going to make a human being, you have a fundamental responsibility to that person - to honestly disclose exactly who they are and where they come from. Lynn Coady absolutedisclosefundamental Change image and share on social
Do not make the writer stand behind a podium. Anything but. A podium reeks of the lecture hall. A music stand, on the other hand, is nicely minimal and lends the writer - who usually needs all the help s/he can get - a musician's second-hand cool-factor. Lynn Coady coolfactorhall share on social
I've never understood people who treat their loved ones worse and with less respect than they would a total stranger or minor acquaintance. Lynn Coady acquaintancebadlyhave Change image and share on social
I know what the Giller nominee effect is, but we'll see what the next level is. Lynn Coady effectgillerlevel Change image and share on social
I spent so many years in terror of 'making it legal' because the expression rang all too true - the wedding ritual struck me as nothing but a flowery front for the fulfilment of countless, tedious contracts and obligations. Lynn Coady contractcountlessexpression share on social
No one expects the doormat to stand upright, shake itself off, and amble down the street to seek its own happiness. Lynn Coady ambledoormatexpect Change image and share on social
There was a time when I thought dudes had friendship all figured out. The focus on eating things in front of giant screens, pretending to punch one another, competing over who can utter the grossest and most profane personal insults imaginable - this struck me as the very apex of human social exchange. Lynn Coady apexcompetedude share on social
I went into the world confident my tea training would open many doors. And I did particularly well with the Irish and fellow Nova Scotians over 60. But this only got me so far. It took a long time to cultivate the tricks of easy social interaction. Lynn Coady confidentcultivatedoor share on social