The literary era since 1979

Chapter 48 The Master’s Mission
After basking in the sun for a while, Shen Yanbing brought Fang Yan to the west wing, which was both his study and bedroom.

The furnishings in the room are very simple. Apart from the sofa and coffee table, there are walls full of books and a single bed against the wall.

Next to the bed is a desk with a desk lamp and a magnifying glass on the left and pens placed side by side on the right.

From the inside to the outside, the most commonly used pen comes first, followed by the spare pens, pencils for revisions, red pencils, etc. Next to the pens are a box of paper clips, a box of thumbtacks, and a stack of small notes used as bookmarks, all arranged in an orderly manner.

Fang Yan helped Shen Yanbing sit on the bed and pulled a small stool for himself.

"Whether it's a short story, a novella, or a long story, the most important thing before you start writing is to decide on the topic..."

Shen Yanbing said slowly: "From discovering the subject matter, to disassembling the subject matter, to re-conceiving and planning, and then to applying some writing techniques, the novel will naturally come to fruition in the end."

Then he looked at him kindly, "Have you decided what you want to write about? Are you planning to continue writing about espionage?"

"Yes, teacher."

Dialects admit it bluntly.

"Besides spy war, do you have any other ideas?"

“I haven’t thought about it yet.”

"That won't do. You need to think about it. Think more about it."

Shen Yanbing saw that he was still confused, "Since you are my student, let me test you. Do you know which novels I have written?"

“Spring Silkworms, Midnight, The Lin Family Shop…”

Before Fang Yan came to visit, Wang Meng, Zhou Yanru and others had given him special training, so he was able to answer the questions naturally.

"These novels have one thing in common, that is, they are all works of realism." Shen Yanbing said with satisfaction, "For example, Midnight is about Shanghai in the early 30s. Because I like to combine history and stick to reality, many people call my novels 'social analysis novels'."

"Teacher, do you want me to go in the direction of realism?"

I understood the dialect and decided to set myself the graduation project.

It’s broken, what should I do with “Insidious”?
My wishful thinking may be ruined!
"It's just a suggestion, because spy war themes will always be exhausted, but real life materials are inexhaustible. In the 80s, 90s, and even in the 21st century, realism will never go out of style, which can greatly extend your writing career."

Shen Yanbing patiently explained his intention that young writers should establish their own "living base".

For example, writers in the 1950s had a "three sames" principle, which was to eat, live and work together with the grassroots people.

Fangyan suddenly realized that creativity has its limits, and inspiration will always run out and his talent will run out. His teacher was worried about his future.

But he didn't know that he was cheating!

"Literature should reflect the themes of the times. Let me test you again. What do you think are the important topics in society right now?"

Shen Yanbing guided him step by step.

Fangyan thought for a moment, and the first thing that popped into his mind was reform! This is definitely the unchanging theme throughout the future!

"The fact that you were able to say 'reform' so quickly shows that you have good observation skills." Shen Yanbing praised with appreciation.

Fangyan smiled on the surface, but he was actually feeling miserable.

There are indeed quite a few movies and TV series about the background of reform.

"New Star", "Brothers", "Long Flowing River", "Chicken Feathers Flying to the Sky", "Blood is Always Hot", "Flowering", "Love in the Pearl River", "A Family in Wenzhou"...

However, there are not many works from the early 80s, let alone works that can be written into novels.

It’s simply, extremely difficult!
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

Shen Yanbing noticed the worry between his brows and said, "I'm just giving you some more ideas to consider. You can still write spy stories."

"I understand, teacher!"

Fangyan couldn't help but feel relieved, but how could he change the topic that was set by his instructor himself?

"It's noon now, stay and have a quick meal."

Shen Yanbing invited him to walk towards the dining room in the east wing.

As soon as he entered the door, a girl shouted "Grandpa", ran to Shen Yanbing's side, and winked at Fang Yan:
"Hey, big brother, who are you?"

"Maiheng, you should call him Uncle Fang." Shen Shuang's wife Chen Xiaoman corrected.

"Hello, Uncle Fang."

Shen Maiheng's words were clear and pleasant to the ear.

Fangyan felt around in his pocket and found that the candies Suya had stuffed into his pocket yesterday were still there, so he gave them all to her as a token of his gratitude.

"Thank you, Uncle Fang!"

Shen Maiheng's eyes lit up and he called out even sweeter.

Fangyan felt helpless. At his age, people called him uncle.

But no matter what, being able to stay at home, eat at the same table, and be called "uncle" was obviously recognized by Shen Yanbing's family.

After dinner, Fangyan was taken to the study again.

"Here, take it."

Shen Yanbing took a copy of "Preparation for Creation" published in the 50s from the bookshelf, and took out a notebook from the drawer. The paper was yellowed, the cover was slightly torn, and the title was "On Creation".

“This is a summary of my life-long writing experience, including and explaining some writing methods and techniques.”

Cheats!

Fangyan took the notes carefully.

Nowadays, there are almost no systematic writing guidance courses and textbooks. This book is completely equivalent to the martial arts secrets of the literary world.

And it is a peerless secret book at the master level of literature!

"Of course, just reading is useless. You also need to write an essay. Remember, the purpose of writing an essay is to practice writing, not to recite what you already know. To improve your writing skills, it is best to write something you observe in life..."

Shen Yanbing taught him the "ABCs of Novel Writing" and explained it patiently, just like a master giving an initiation and passing on skills to his disciple.

I hardly left the study the whole afternoon.

"Being able to express your meaning clearly is a skill... No matter how good the skill is, it serves the content. Never put the cart before the horse." Shen Yanbing exhaled tiredly.

"Teacher, I remember."

Fangyan nodded.

"Read these books when you have time when you go back, but what is more important is to walk around in society, observe more, and remember that literature is created by the people." Shen Yanbing made a list of books.

"I understand, teacher."

"That's all for today's class. I'll ask you to come to my house in the future. Of course, you can come over when you're free. You live in Nanluoguxiang, which is close to here. If I'm not here, you can say hello to Shen Shuang and Xiaoman and make an appointment to come over, or call me."

After hearing this, Fang Yan knew it was time to leave.

When I walked out of the courtyard, it was already dark outside. The sunset glowed like fire, dyeing half the sky red. I looked back at the former residences and scenic spots that I had visited in my previous life, and I couldn't help but sigh.

Life is full of surprises!
I actually became Shen Yanbing's closed disciple!

Although it was due to the relationship between Ding Ling and the institute, and also forced by the decline of long novels, it would have been impossible without the foundation of novels such as "The Shepherd" and "Dark War".

With this identity, if he didn't go into business and stayed in the system, he might be able to reach the position that Wang Meng achieved.

Assistant Minister? Shangshu?
"Why think so far ahead? Let's first think about how to solve this assignment. The theme of the times..."

Faced with "Shen Yanbing's graduation project", Fang Yan smacked his lips and had to put the original plan on hold, leaving "The Hidden" as an alternative and first considering a work of reform literature.

It could be other themes of the times, or realism. The range is neither big nor small.

This master's mission is a bit difficult.

After much thought, I decided to seek advice from my friends, especially Jiang Zilong, the "first person in reforming literature", to learn from him.

　Thank you Tianxia Zongheng for giving me my 100 Qidian coins.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)