'Who' trumped all other questions at a public forum titled 'How and What and Why Do Writers Write?' held as part of the Faculty of Arts' Summer Institute in July.
Three renowned writers gave answers that said at least as much about themselves as about writing. On why they write, Frederick Forsyth, the blunt and practical author best known for thrillers like The Day of the Jackal, said money was the motivator. Andrew Roberts, who writes acclaimed books on military history, said writing should be about anything but money – inspiration, avoiding boredom, and learning were all better reasons, but the quality had better be good.
Stephen Fry, raconteur, actor and writer of a diverse range of texts for television, film, radio and books, skirted around the question altogether. "Anybody can write if they speak. It's just very odd having pegged writing as an incredibly separate and incredibly different engagement or pursuit as that of every-day conversation," he said, although he spoke repeatedly of the hard work involved in writing.
The three authors appeared with acerbic moderator Sir David Tang before a full house of about 1,000 people at Loke Yew Hall, where they offered similarly revealing responses to audience questions over two hours.
On social media, for instance, Mr Fry was excited about its potential and Mr Roberts about the impact on English-language use, while Mr Forsyth said he still used a typewriter. On autobiographies, Mr Fry has completed two and did not rule out more, Mr Roberts plans to release his diaries when he is 60, while Mr Forsyth, who has spent a colourful life in the company of spies, arms dealers and renegades, refuses to write one.
When asked if great skill was necessary to become a great writer, Mr Fry and Mr Roberts both said skill and hard work were part of the equation. Mr Forsyth, referring to himself, said, "Obviously no is the answer," but he admitted that he did "look at those who are [great writers] and say, wow."
