Writing True: The Art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction

by Sondra Perl, Mimi Schwartz

This innovative book teaches students how to write informative and engaging nonfiction that emphasizes voice and creativity and incorporates observation, research, memory, and point of view. Writing True serves as a valuable core textbook or a supplement for any creative writing or composition course with an emphasis on creative nonfiction. A solid pedagogical approach shows students how to be true to capturing the real world with integrity and creativity. The first part of the book, "Writing Creative Nonfiction," offers ten chapters of practical guidance, skill-building exercises, and ideas to help writers develop their creativity. The second part of the book, "Reading Creative Nonfiction," contains an anthology divided into Memoir, Personal Essay, Portrait, Essay of Place, and Literary Journalism. Selections include works by Nora Ephron, Tracy Kidder, Eric Liu, David Sedaris, and other well-known masters of the creative nonfiction genre. The anthology also includes a section entitled "Stories of Craft," with four prominent writers, including John Irving and Sue Miller, describing the challenges and rewards of writing creative nonfiction.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Teaching, Education, Memoir, Crafts

396 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2005

Reviews

[Anne Earney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was assigned for a memoir writing class I took. We read all the chapters about writing creative nonfiction and some of the selected pieces in the back during the class. I tried to read the unassigned parts before declaring I'd "read" the book on Goodreads, but gave up after a few. Turns out the instructor assigned the best and I could skip the rest, as best as I could tell.

[Caroline Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t a four star read for its beautiful language or inspiring message. It gets four stars because of how uniquely practical it is for teachers of writing. I’ve used the book often throughout my career and chose to revisit it, in full, before starting a new teaching job this fall. Once again, I’m grateful for the work of Perl and Schwartz.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this was entirely enjoyable, especially because there were numerous references to professional writers provided in the final section of this book. True, I've been able to work through only a few of the writing exercises in each workshop section "Ways In. . . . " but have found them to be well-organized and fun. I'll be using these in my courses with adult writers, but I'll be revisiting these lesson time and again for personal writing and exploration. Do you enjoy reading and writing both? Find a copy of this and begin a wonderful journey.

[Jane Messer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're serious about developing your craft as a creative nonfiction writer, this is a key introductory text that is worth returning to even when you're more established. I used this book in my CW teaching for many years, students have loved it, and I draw on it myself with my own CFN writing. (It's now become really expensive to buy new, but used copies are around, and reasonably priced.)

[Wanjiru Warama · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book worth reading for authors who write creative nonfiction.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In dire need of re-exploring this book from undergrad, put me onto some great taste

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of my reads are for school these days... This is actually a helpful book and good inspiration if you are interested in creative writing.

[Brandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

For my creative non-fiction class. I find some of the tips helpful, but overall not something I'd normally pick up.

[Aliceanna]

Would use to teach, though would supplement with other readings (was less pleased with the anthology section)

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great analysis, great theory, great examples...