Chance Particulars: A Writer's Field Notebook for Travelers, Bloggers, Essayists, Memoirists, Novelists, Journalists, Adventurers, Naturalists, Sketchers, and Other Note-Takers and Recorders of Life

by Sara Mansfield Taber, Maud Taber-Thomas (Illustrator)

The goal of the writer is to live with the keenness of the foreigner. To experience, wide-eyed, the sensations aroused and the events offered up by a peculiar surround and then to evoke them so brightly on the page that the reader, too, experiences the foreigner's frisson. A time-honored way this is accomplished is through the keeping of a field notebook--through the faithful recording of the this and that of life; the atmospheres and incidents; the bells, the beer, the bread.

Based on what accomplished nonfiction writer Sara Mansfield Taber learned in her many years of field notebook keeping, Chance Particulars is a unique and handy primer for writers who want to use their experiences to tell a lively, satisfying story. Often, writers try to turn their notes into a memoir, essay, travel piece, or story, only to find that they haven't recorded enough of the concrete, sensory details necessary to create evocative description. To help writers overcome this problem, Taber has composed a true "field notebook for field notebook keepers." Enhanced by beautiful illustrations, this charming and comprehensive guide is a practical manual for anyone who wishes to learn or hone the crafts of writing, ethnography, or journalism.

Writers of all levels, genres, and ages, as well as teachers of writing, will appreciate this useful tool for learning how to record the details that build vibrant prose. With this book in hand, you will be able to recreate times and places, conjure up intricate character portraits, and paint pictures of particular landscapes, cultures, and locales.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

144 pages, Paperback

Published March 15, 2018

Reviews

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4 STARS
2018; John Hopkins University Press
(Review Not on Blog)

I am a "wannabe" perfections, and often become scared of messing up so I don't even attempt do something I am interested in. Last year, I took the plunge and tried to keep a bullet journal. While it was perfection, it was fun and damn good. I keep picking up ideas from Pinterest, Instagram, etc and also books like Chance Particulars. As a blogger and writer the idea of recording experiences from my life through my own notebook, is a great way to record for future pieces in the future. I recommend this to any record keeper in any shape!

***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***

k (My Novelesque Life)

[Y.S. Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chance Particulars examines the importance of regular journaling to writing great literature. The book also looks at the art of good journaling and how one can mine its information to enrich all other kinds of writing.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Writer of all kinds at different levels would benefit.

MEMORABLE PASSAGE
"The goal of the writer—whether traveler, memoirist, journalist, novelist, or one who keeps a log just for himself is to live with the keenness of the foreigner, to experience, wide-eyed, the sensations aroused and the events offered up by his peculiar surrounds and then to evoke them so brightly on the page that the reader, too, experiences the
foreigner’s frisson: discovers him or herself invigorated, transported to another rich and miraculous life."

.......

Chance Particulars: A Writer's Field Notebook for Travelers, Bloggers, Essayists, Memoirists, Novelists, Journalists, Adventurers, Naturalists, Sketchers, and Other Note-Takers and Recorders of Life by Sara Mansfield Taber is available to buy on all major online bookstores. Many thanks to John Hopkins University Press for review copy.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't a book to list as "read" because it's more like a companion you'll turn to now and then, particularly when you need a reminder to wake up and take notice. If you've suffered from post-journey regret, wishing you could summon up some detail that once was vivid but now escapes you, this book will help. The author gives detailed instructions about how to pay close attention. She knows from her own experience, and from working with many novice writers, that it's much better to take note when you have the opportunity than to struggle over a blank page later on, as you try to flesh out an essay or story that's outlined but lacks detail. The book makes a good gift for any traveler, lover of the outdoors, or for that matter (as the subtitle suggests) any 'recorder of life.' We all can use a reminder to take notice while we can.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful ideas. Liked organization and writing.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually I will always be reading this book. A great reference for finding the spark of joy in life, among other great tips for observing and noting and remembering.

[Sohail · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's not much meat on the bones of this book to gnaw on; and most of the little that there is, comes—in form of excerpts and quotations—from other books.