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The Company of Writers: Fiction Workshops and Thoughts on the Writing Life
A sympathetic and practical handbook for aspiring writers shows readers how to develop their own creativity and how to form support networks with other writers, offering tips on creating writing workshops, building a handy reference library, useful writing exercises, and more from other veteran authors. Original.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
237 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2001
About the author
Hilma Wolitzer
30 books176 followersHilma Wolitzer (b. 1930) is a critically hailed author of literary fiction. She is a recipient of Guggenheim and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships, an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature, and a Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award. Her first short story appeared in print when she was thirty-six. Eight years later she published her first novel. Her novels and stories have drawn praise for illuminating the dark interiors of the American home. She lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 11, 2009
[I've read two novels by the author's daughter ... which I didn't know when I began to read this book. Ironic > "The Position." hahahehe; and "The Ten Year Nap.":] This book was helpful to me, as I'm exploring the possibility of starting a writing "class." That being said - I didn't learn anything new. And, it was written prior to the Internet explosion. Can we agree that publishing is a mess, writing is a mess, our world is a mess. What to do? WRITE, I say. Write, she says ... though we might have different agendas. Ultimately Hilma Wolitzer comes to the conclusion that a person ought to "pay attention," to the world in which one lives in, if one is to write about it. Yeah. Why do we write? Who is to say what is "good writing"? Think about that!. I broke so may "rules" in the writing of my novel, "ATTACHMENT"; but I know what effect it has on readers ... . On this we agree - a reader ought to be DISTURBED after the reading of of "good work."
February 9, 2016
What a wealth of experience Wolitzer shares in this succinct handbook. She offers great insights to writing fiction, and one key element is the depth and breadth of her reading. She writes of narrative techniques in writers from Flaubert to contemporary writers.
I only wish for more exercises from this master teacher.
I only wish for more exercises from this master teacher.
March 9, 2018
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.5 of 5
I regret that this book sat so long in my to-be-read queue. I regret it because it's a tremendous read.
Mostly this book centers around the author's thoughts and suggestions for anyone considering starting or joining a writer's group. I've been a part of a few and most of them don't last long enough to where I've felt they've been of value. Somebody could have really used this book!
Author Hilma Wolitzer writes clearly and with confidence. What she says about writers, writing, and writing groups comes from someone with experience in the craft. Though I am not familiar with Wolitzer or any of her other works, it is quite clear to the reader that she has been here before - seen and done the things she writes about. And all the while there is no sense of being overly dramatic or poking fun at some of the obvious mistakes people make in writer's groups. She also defines many of the 'types' of people that can often be found in such groups and how to deal with some of the potential problems that might arise.
Wolitzer's thoughts on how to critique another writer's works is tremendously helpful, not just in the sense of being a part of a group, but it's helpful to the writer in looking at his/her own work.
Anyone thinking about starting or even joining a writer's groups NEEDS to read this book.
But it doesn't end there. The second half of this helpful book is advice to the writer to improve on one's work. Just as she's smooth and direct in her advice about groups, Wolitzer is just as direct on her writing advice. She doesn't write down to the reader. She treats us as though we're intelligent and already moderately confident in our writing abilities. This is refreshing in so many ways. I can't say that I've read a lot of writer's help books, but those that I've looked at all seem to target the beginner.
For instance, when Wolitzer discusses Location in a writer's fiction she says, "It's the writer's challenge to make the surface of Mars familiar and real and the streets of New York new." This isn't a 'how-to tip' but a reminder of the writer's job when creating a world (and holds true for the non-fiction writer as much as for the fiction author).
Perhaps this is because Wolitzer isn't offering 'advice', with tutorials and exercises ... she's offering observations. Tips that have helped her through certain writing challenges, along with thoughts from other writers. It helps, from my perspective at least, that she mentions and quotes some of my very favorite writers... Bernard Malamud, Anne Tyler, Stanley Elkin.
Looking for a good book? The Company of Writers by Hilma Wolitzer is a must-read for anyone interested in being a part of a writer's group and is a valuable resource for writer's.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I regret that this book sat so long in my to-be-read queue. I regret it because it's a tremendous read.
Mostly this book centers around the author's thoughts and suggestions for anyone considering starting or joining a writer's group. I've been a part of a few and most of them don't last long enough to where I've felt they've been of value. Somebody could have really used this book!
Author Hilma Wolitzer writes clearly and with confidence. What she says about writers, writing, and writing groups comes from someone with experience in the craft. Though I am not familiar with Wolitzer or any of her other works, it is quite clear to the reader that she has been here before - seen and done the things she writes about. And all the while there is no sense of being overly dramatic or poking fun at some of the obvious mistakes people make in writer's groups. She also defines many of the 'types' of people that can often be found in such groups and how to deal with some of the potential problems that might arise.
Wolitzer's thoughts on how to critique another writer's works is tremendously helpful, not just in the sense of being a part of a group, but it's helpful to the writer in looking at his/her own work.
Anyone thinking about starting or even joining a writer's groups NEEDS to read this book.
But it doesn't end there. The second half of this helpful book is advice to the writer to improve on one's work. Just as she's smooth and direct in her advice about groups, Wolitzer is just as direct on her writing advice. She doesn't write down to the reader. She treats us as though we're intelligent and already moderately confident in our writing abilities. This is refreshing in so many ways. I can't say that I've read a lot of writer's help books, but those that I've looked at all seem to target the beginner.
For instance, when Wolitzer discusses Location in a writer's fiction she says, "It's the writer's challenge to make the surface of Mars familiar and real and the streets of New York new." This isn't a 'how-to tip' but a reminder of the writer's job when creating a world (and holds true for the non-fiction writer as much as for the fiction author).
Perhaps this is because Wolitzer isn't offering 'advice', with tutorials and exercises ... she's offering observations. Tips that have helped her through certain writing challenges, along with thoughts from other writers. It helps, from my perspective at least, that she mentions and quotes some of my very favorite writers... Bernard Malamud, Anne Tyler, Stanley Elkin.
Looking for a good book? The Company of Writers by Hilma Wolitzer is a must-read for anyone interested in being a part of a writer's group and is a valuable resource for writer's.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2018
I picked this book because I like to read about writers and writing, and The Company of Writers didn’t disappoint.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part is largely about writing groups and the second part is about the craft. About the groups, the author says, “This is not a kaffeeklatsch; it’s a serious professional meeting.” I so agree with her, and this is the very reason why I am not in such a group. Even the most well-meaning writers end up, after a while, such a meeting into a party and sometimes a pity-party. As such, the author reminds, “matter how friendly and sympathetic you feel toward one another, the session should never disintegrate into a kind of group therapy.” I think the only exception could be the groups who meet in a library room, away from the homely atmosphere. Wolitzer, in the meantime, gives pointers on how to hold a successful group meeting, pointers that may well be put to good use.
The second part is much more to my liking as I agreed 100 % with the author’s own tips, as well as the tips from a few selected authors. As an example, one question Anatole Broyard asked—Where is the ache in this story?--made me think. It probably means one should not write a story that is cold and devoid of human feeling as if it is a company report. Wolitzer explains this further as “You could admire a story without an ache, he said, but you might not enjoy it in a deep and enduring way. Our characters had to want something, Broyard told us, and we had to address their desires, whether or not we fulfilled them.”
Wolitzer also points out that fully developed characters have their own say in carrying out a plot. In fact, most good writers who start out with detailed outlines, during the writing of the novel, find out that strong characters refuse preordained plots.
This second part of the book contains a lot of information and small details many other how-to-write books sometimes neglect to mention. This includes every area from writing in genres to writing for children, writing about sex, writing what you know or don’t know, and research and observation. In addition, the author’s language is clear, to the point, and easily understandable. Then at the end of the book, she has a few prompts for readers who might want to use them.
Overall, this is one of the better writing books I have read that is not a true tutorial.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part is largely about writing groups and the second part is about the craft. About the groups, the author says, “This is not a kaffeeklatsch; it’s a serious professional meeting.” I so agree with her, and this is the very reason why I am not in such a group. Even the most well-meaning writers end up, after a while, such a meeting into a party and sometimes a pity-party. As such, the author reminds, “matter how friendly and sympathetic you feel toward one another, the session should never disintegrate into a kind of group therapy.” I think the only exception could be the groups who meet in a library room, away from the homely atmosphere. Wolitzer, in the meantime, gives pointers on how to hold a successful group meeting, pointers that may well be put to good use.
The second part is much more to my liking as I agreed 100 % with the author’s own tips, as well as the tips from a few selected authors. As an example, one question Anatole Broyard asked—Where is the ache in this story?--made me think. It probably means one should not write a story that is cold and devoid of human feeling as if it is a company report. Wolitzer explains this further as “You could admire a story without an ache, he said, but you might not enjoy it in a deep and enduring way. Our characters had to want something, Broyard told us, and we had to address their desires, whether or not we fulfilled them.”
Wolitzer also points out that fully developed characters have their own say in carrying out a plot. In fact, most good writers who start out with detailed outlines, during the writing of the novel, find out that strong characters refuse preordained plots.
This second part of the book contains a lot of information and small details many other how-to-write books sometimes neglect to mention. This includes every area from writing in genres to writing for children, writing about sex, writing what you know or don’t know, and research and observation. In addition, the author’s language is clear, to the point, and easily understandable. Then at the end of the book, she has a few prompts for readers who might want to use them.
Overall, this is one of the better writing books I have read that is not a true tutorial.
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December 23, 2008Currently have this on loan from the Nimitz Library at the Naval Academy. Wolitzer's tone is assuring and assured. This is probably the best title I've seen on the mechanics of writer's workshops and literary support networks. She also offers many valuable tips and insights on process, craft, and publication. Best chapter? I'd have to say #7. Titled, "STUCK," in 14 succinct, compassionate and light-hearted pages, Wolitzer addresses writer's block and wrangles it down to size:)
July 22, 2012
Excellent guide for forming a writer's group. I also learned a lot about what to look for when I read, by that I mean what to look for as a critic.
July 30, 2012
A great book if one plans to start a writing group (or needs to improve an existing one). Some good tips if one is just looking to improve ones own craft.
March 17, 2013
I've added this one to my favorite writing book list, and done a 1st Books post describing why.
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January 4, 2014Praktisch en inspirerend boek voor iedereen die een schrijfgroep wil opzetten. Omdat het zoveel positieve creatieve energie geeft!
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June 2, 2014Heart, soul, writing tips. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
October 5, 2018
Some good information on setting up a writers group. Some seemed a bit dated.
July 19, 2022
Some excellent tips, some great examples. I wonder what this book would be like if it was updated to include the online world?
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews