[D6R]≡ PDF Gratis Why We Write 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do Meredith Maran 9780452298156 Books

Why We Write 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do Meredith Maran 9780452298156 Books

Download As PDF : Why We Write 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do Meredith Maran 9780452298156 Books

Why We Write 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do Meredith Maran 9780452298156 Books

Writing for most is a largely a labour of love. For a much, much smaller number it can be a lucrative profession. As editor Maran points out, "one million manuscripts are currently searching for a U.S. publisher. One percent of these will get the nod." Even then only thirty percent of published books turn a profit. Even with these daunting odds and a confusing publishing industry, more and more people are writing (which is great).

The format of this particular book is clean, clear and appealing. Maran interviewed twenty notable authors and gives them each a short chapter. There is a nice balance between a standard set of questions and unique ones that flowed from the conversations. One of the things that works in its favour is the succinct length. The result is a comfortingly familiar set of responses mingled in with a wider array of pleasingly original bon mots. What struck me the most was honesty of response. All of those interviewed are extremely blunt in their assessment of the trade. The long and short is, writing is a challenge both as a skill and as a business.

What motivates these literary luminaries ranges from "sheer egoism" to "historical impulse" to bringing "order to the chaos of life". Among those in the book are David Baldacci, Sebastian Junger, Michael Lewis, Jodi Picoult and Meg Wolitzer. Sue Grafton delights with her reason for choosing the profession, "I write because in 1962 I put in my application for a job working in the children's department at Sears, and they never called me back."

Most believe that to be a good writer, one must read. That is an oft-cited tip but Jennifer Egan takes it further by suggesting that writers should "Read at the level at which you want to write." Other interesting advice comes from Isabelle Allende who suggests, "It's worth the work to find the right word." And Kathryn Harrison warns, "Writing is a lonely job. You have to be willing to work for months and months without anyone saying, "You're doing well; keep going.""

Credit must be given to James Frey. His chapter was the most fascinating and not only because of the unique dips and turns in his own career. The content throughout is inspiring and direct. Anyone who writes or is considering doing so will benefit from the advice in these pages. Lastly, I loved Ann Patchett's admission that she still writes in WordPerfect.


Tags : Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do [Meredith Maran] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. <b>Twenty of America's bestselling authors share tricks, tips, and secrets of the successful writing life.</b> Anyone who's ever sat down to write a novel or even a story knows how exhilarating and heartbreaking writing can be. So what makes writers stick with it? In Why We Write</i>,Meredith Maran,Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do,Plume,0452298156,Writing Skills,Authorship,Authorship.,General Adult,LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES Style Manuals,LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES Writing Authorship,LITERARY COLLECTIONS Essays,LITERARY CRITICISM Books & Reading,Language Arts Linguistics Literacy,Non-Fiction,REFERENCE,REFERENCE Writing Skills,Techniques,Writing & editing guides,non-fiction;writing;Writing skills;Writing process;Stories;Advice;Wisdom;Jodi Picoult;Isabel Allende;Mary Karr;writer;self doubt;self confidence;tips;tricks;craft;collection;not alone;reader;author;how to become a writer;how to become an author;how to publish a book;confidence;writers block;block;doubt;novel;nonfiction;essays;short stories;literary criticism;anthology;gifts for book lovers;gifts;literature;long story short;library;librarian gifts;short story collections;essay writing,non-fiction; writing; Writing skills; Writing process; Stories; Advice; Wisdom; Jodi Picoult; Isabel Allende; Mary Karr; writer; self doubt; self confidence; tips; tricks; craft; collection; not alone; reader; author; how to become a writer; how to become an author; how to publish a book; confidence; writers block; block; doubt; novel; nonfiction; short stories; long story short; short story collections; essays; literary criticism; anthology; gifts for book lovers; gifts; literature; library; librarian gifts; essay writing

Why We Write 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do Meredith Maran 9780452298156 Books Reviews

This book is SO INTERESTING! Any of us who have given our sweat and our hearts to writing know that the finished article is like one of our babies, and we've gone through the labor pains! This book contains the opinions of why we do it by some illustrious authors such as David Baldacci, Sue Grafton, Armistead Maupin,Jodi Picoult and more. David Baldacci says, "...the day I felt I'd made it as a writer was the first time I saw a book of mine on a bookstore shelf..." Not many of us will get that kind of validation, but it is so worth hearing some of the best writers tell us why they write.
This is a good format and a good mix of authors. Not all were helpful or interesting to me but some were terrific and there was something useful in each chapter. I think any serious writer would find the book helpful, even inspiring. The trouble, of course, is that writing well is so much work with so little certainty that one has to be "called" in some sense. But if you are, the book is good, very good.
I enjoy reading books about writing as well as books that compile the viewpoints of people who have achieved critical or commercial success in their field. This book the perfect intersection of those two worlds. It is a fast read and is extremely well edited. Expect to be inspired more than educated since this is a "WHY" book not a "HOW" book.

As with most books of this type, there is a decent amount of repetition and contradiction. But, that is the point! The repetition (ex most writers are voracious readers; writing is a job; expect to write about 2 pages of fiction per day; write for its own sake not for rewards) helps paint a picture of shared experience. The contradiction(ex write during the day vs write early morning/late night; write with music vs write in silence) shows that there is no "right" way to write.

There are a few nice threads that give the book a gentle narrative including (a) comments on the Iowa Writers' Workshop (b) reactions to Orwell's four great motives for writing (c) tension between literary writing and commercial writing.

(Note While I was reading this book, I did not notice the lack of an index. However, while writing this review, I wished it had one. Perhaps the publisher will include an index in the next printing.)
Why We Write is enchanting to read, a book filled with the voices of twenty critically acclaimed writers, including Jennifer Egan, Kathryn Harrison, Isabel Allende and Ann Patchett. It's reassuring to hear their frustrations, and yet their wonder with the writing process, the magic that can happen when characters take over a story and their passion for language and the craft. Many of them reveal the peace they feel when engaged in writing, how without it, they are not settled, not complete human beings. Each chapter features a summary of each writer, their basic bio and collective works, why they write, the idiosyncratic nuances of their process, their career journey, and their wisdom for other writers. Each one is a mentor for the inspiring writer, the reader can feel that they contribute with that intention. Author Meredith Maran has done a stellar job editing all of these entries, and she is donating a portion of her royalties to her not for profit that helps young people with their writing skills.
Writing for most is a largely a labour of love. For a much, much smaller number it can be a lucrative profession. As editor Maran points out, "one million manuscripts are currently searching for a U.S. publisher. One percent of these will get the nod." Even then only thirty percent of published books turn a profit. Even with these daunting odds and a confusing publishing industry, more and more people are writing (which is great).

The format of this particular book is clean, clear and appealing. Maran interviewed twenty notable authors and gives them each a short chapter. There is a nice balance between a standard set of questions and unique ones that flowed from the conversations. One of the things that works in its favour is the succinct length. The result is a comfortingly familiar set of responses mingled in with a wider array of pleasingly original bon mots. What struck me the most was honesty of response. All of those interviewed are extremely blunt in their assessment of the trade. The long and short is, writing is a challenge both as a skill and as a business.

What motivates these literary luminaries ranges from "sheer egoism" to "historical impulse" to bringing "order to the chaos of life". Among those in the book are David Baldacci, Sebastian Junger, Michael Lewis, Jodi Picoult and Meg Wolitzer. Sue Grafton delights with her reason for choosing the profession, "I write because in 1962 I put in my application for a job working in the children's department at Sears, and they never called me back."

Most believe that to be a good writer, one must read. That is an oft-cited tip but Jennifer Egan takes it further by suggesting that writers should "Read at the level at which you want to write." Other interesting advice comes from Isabelle Allende who suggests, "It's worth the work to find the right word." And Kathryn Harrison warns, "Writing is a lonely job. You have to be willing to work for months and months without anyone saying, "You're doing well; keep going.""

Credit must be given to James Frey. His chapter was the most fascinating and not only because of the unique dips and turns in his own career. The content throughout is inspiring and direct. Anyone who writes or is considering doing so will benefit from the advice in these pages. Lastly, I loved Ann Patchett's admission that she still writes in WordPerfect.