Writers on Writing

by Robert Pack (Editor), Jay Parini (Editor)

Book by

Genres: Writing, Reference, Nonfiction

294 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1991

Reviews

[Chris Dietzel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books on writing. This was by far the least inspiring and informative of all of them. Even the essay by Richard Ford, whom I love as an author, was really disappointing. Not recommended even if you're a writer or aspiring writer.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great compilation of essays by writers about writing: an intersection of autobiography, literary criticism, discussions of craft, advice for the emerging writer, and the pleasures of reading. I'm finding it both helpful and entertaining/engaging.

[Tifany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm generally skeptical about books on writing, as there really are no hard and fast rules, and what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. On the other hand, it's helpful, if you ARE writing, to be able to get a little confirmation that you aren't actually reinventing the wheel (or reinventing it WORSE). This collection of essays, by a wide variety of writers, is excellent--inspiring, helpful, consoling, illuminating. Good advice for beginners, and an excellent boost to the spirit for anyone feeling they might be failing (which is everyone who writes, on every other day).

[Tom Hooker · Rating 2 out of 5]

A series of essays on writing by writers who appeared at the Breadloaf Writer's Conference. I'm sure these guys know what they are talking about, but a great deal of what they had to say I found too esoteric to be practical.

[Keely Hyslop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of these essays were dry and somewhat dated, though "Learning from Chekhov" by Francine Prose still inspires.

[Lesley Botez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different views on writing from writers. It contains some gems, such as the contribution by John Irving. It's a little dated now but still worth reading.