With passion and humour, novelist Jane Rule and critic Marilyn Schuster talk about the art and process of writing fiction. Rule speaks candidly about the ideas that inspire her novels, the genesis of her characters, her belief in community and her lifelong commitment to 'tell the truth' about the fears and complexities of the human heart. Schuster brings a literary critic's eye to the discussion, tracing some of the major themes in Rule's writing and situating them within the traditions of contemporary women's and lesbian and gay literature. Scenes from some of Rule's most powerful writing, read by acclaimed actress Diane D'Aquila, highlight the critical discussion of her work and place the art of fiction at the centre of this video.