What do you think?
Rate this book
How I Write: The Secret Lives of Authors
Have you ever wondered about the creative process of your favorite authors? Ever wondered who loves money more than life? What doors do the secret keys unlock? What old lady wears fur jackets? Who needs to punch a boxing ball before work? With primary evidence from the very private lives of those contemporary authors that are lingering on the doorstep of the literary canon, How I Write is an editorial powerhouse of more than sixty original features by Jonathan Franzen, Jeffrey Eugenides, Joyce Carol Oates, Rick Moody, Will Self, Nicole Krauss, and many others. Letters, photographs, drawings, even candy wrappers, phone bills, and other scattered mementos will be strikingly presented in this smartly designed volume. Using the same research team that previously published the unknown letters of Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Dickens's notebook, Harold Pinter's blues lyrics, and a nude shot of Alan Ginsberg, How I Write offers unpublished and unseen material illuminating the secret lives of authors. A must-have for the growing fan base of McSweeny's and other literary magazines, the book, designed by legendary and award-winning art director Vince Frost, will also be a perfect gift for all writers, readers, and anyone interested in books, ideas, and design.
191 pages, Hardcover
First published April 24, 2007
7 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 2, 2019
Coffee table book, thick, with glossy pages adorned with art designs. Published authors sharing their “secrets” of the trade, what helps them write and write well, what inspires them, what they cannot do without while pursuing their craft, in short, easy to read pieces. Their names right there, arranged alphabetically, on the book’s cover.
Two caught my fancy. One is by the chef and food journalist Anthony Bourdain entitled “Nicotine.” By itself his piece of just one paragraph says nothing much. Just that he can’t write without smoking. But if you know how he died, not too long ago, hanging himself inside his hotel room at the peak of his career, you’d probably wonder if he had not been thinking about ending his life like that for even a much longer period of time. The last lines of his article here:
“…I’ll never quit (smoking). I’ve quit heroin. I’ve quit cocaine. In both cases, successfully beating considerable odds. I think I’ve done enough. I deserve to hang on to those few vices I have left—and unlike my other vices, I can smoke while writing. Only thing worse than no cigarrette is a menthol cigarette. Can’t write on no damn menthols. Can’t live. In fact, faced with a future of only menthol cigarettes? I’d probably hang myself in the shower stall.”
The article before this is the one by Geoff Dyer entitled ’Through My Window”. He basically says that everything in this book is crap, and that what is considered to be the ideal place or condition for writing is where no writing can be done; that it does not matter where you are or where you live; and what is important is to find some little niche where you could work and get it done.
I agree with this. For me, I write when I am not writing. I could be walking, eating, lying down, driving or just sitting quietly while thinking of how to attack a piece I intend to write and the string of words and phrases would already be forming in my head, readying themselves for incarnation into the paper or the computer screen.
Two caught my fancy. One is by the chef and food journalist Anthony Bourdain entitled “Nicotine.” By itself his piece of just one paragraph says nothing much. Just that he can’t write without smoking. But if you know how he died, not too long ago, hanging himself inside his hotel room at the peak of his career, you’d probably wonder if he had not been thinking about ending his life like that for even a much longer period of time. The last lines of his article here:
“…I’ll never quit (smoking). I’ve quit heroin. I’ve quit cocaine. In both cases, successfully beating considerable odds. I think I’ve done enough. I deserve to hang on to those few vices I have left—and unlike my other vices, I can smoke while writing. Only thing worse than no cigarrette is a menthol cigarette. Can’t write on no damn menthols. Can’t live. In fact, faced with a future of only menthol cigarettes? I’d probably hang myself in the shower stall.”
The article before this is the one by Geoff Dyer entitled ’Through My Window”. He basically says that everything in this book is crap, and that what is considered to be the ideal place or condition for writing is where no writing can be done; that it does not matter where you are or where you live; and what is important is to find some little niche where you could work and get it done.
I agree with this. For me, I write when I am not writing. I could be walking, eating, lying down, driving or just sitting quietly while thinking of how to attack a piece I intend to write and the string of words and phrases would already be forming in my head, readying themselves for incarnation into the paper or the computer screen.
August 23, 2017
Loved this book! Unique approach to writing and the writing process in how writers coax their muse out from hiding. Also about why they write and beautiful language all throughout. Had a gorgeous ribbon bookmark that I didn't find until 2/3 finished! Wonderful bio in the back of each contributing writer with tons of interesting books for me to track down!
March 21, 2023
I checked this title out from the library because writing must constantly be improved upon, and there are endless levels to honing this skill over time. The writers detailed the writing processes which worked for them. The pages are absolutely adorable and the artwork is eye catching. But I would caution writers to come up with their own unique processes because each person functions differently. While some of the strategies and literary devices provided are helpful, it’s always best to do what feels most natural and keeps you in a state of flow. Overall, I found some things in this book useful and discarded what wasn’t,
June 17, 2023
I was disappointed. Coffee-table book with lots of flashy layout. A resume builder for the art director but extremely lacking in what the title suggests. Mostly short blurbs on what pictures or objects these writers have on their desk, which was far less interesting than what I expected.
September 16, 2013
Revealing little glimpses into the writing lives of a wide variety of writers presented in a beautiful coffee table type book. I was very happy with the layout and how each writer's pages reflected their personality as referenced in the passage submitted. I do wish that there was more to it, but then it really wouldn't be a coffee table book, would it? Still, definitely worth purchasing, and certainly a book experience that can't be effectively reflected in an e-book. Buy the paper version of this one, folks!
November 30, 2011
Nothing to write home about. A coffee-table size book with not a lot in it. Some pretty pictures. The less better said.
October 16, 2014
Fascinating.
August 22, 2019
A 2.5-star rating.
"Against the wall of my study hangs a boxer's speedball. Its swollen plumlike shape is sexy and potent. It beckons me several times a day... There is something pleasing about the conceit of a boxing speedball turned into a writing tool. Novel writing is not a team sport. Neither is boxing. The boxer steps into the ring alone and stands or falls by his own skills and strength. Like the writer. And like the fighter, the novelist obsessively searches for the sweet punch. Is not the brain shaped like a pair of boxing gloves?" Natasha Mostert, Season of the Witch - pg 190
"This fact is germane because it indicates that I am probably not the best person to ask about what inspires me to write. I am, however, a perfect person to ask about the best technique for removing lint from my navel - which is one of the many techniques I use to put off the task of writing... And that, come to think of it, may be my form of inspiration: procrastination. Sure, it may look, from a distance, like I'm lazily cleaning out my navel, but beneath the surface, my mind is getting ready to write. My navel isn't a cheap excuse for me to put off writing - rather, it's an integral partner in my writing process. That's what I tell myself, anyway."
Tim Carvell, Daily Show with Jon Stewart - pg 149
A work about Authors and their enigmatic ways of stirring the Muse is a delightful concept bursting with potentiality and revelation for book lovers and want to be Writers. And although there were amusing and quirky moments throughout this work, which was combined with graphic design that was stylish, unique and playful. For me, the potential wasn't realized and I was left grateful that this was from the library and not a purchase. Its lack of substance created dissatisfaction and vapidity.
"Against the wall of my study hangs a boxer's speedball. Its swollen plumlike shape is sexy and potent. It beckons me several times a day... There is something pleasing about the conceit of a boxing speedball turned into a writing tool. Novel writing is not a team sport. Neither is boxing. The boxer steps into the ring alone and stands or falls by his own skills and strength. Like the writer. And like the fighter, the novelist obsessively searches for the sweet punch. Is not the brain shaped like a pair of boxing gloves?" Natasha Mostert, Season of the Witch - pg 190
"This fact is germane because it indicates that I am probably not the best person to ask about what inspires me to write. I am, however, a perfect person to ask about the best technique for removing lint from my navel - which is one of the many techniques I use to put off the task of writing... And that, come to think of it, may be my form of inspiration: procrastination. Sure, it may look, from a distance, like I'm lazily cleaning out my navel, but beneath the surface, my mind is getting ready to write. My navel isn't a cheap excuse for me to put off writing - rather, it's an integral partner in my writing process. That's what I tell myself, anyway."
Tim Carvell, Daily Show with Jon Stewart - pg 149
A work about Authors and their enigmatic ways of stirring the Muse is a delightful concept bursting with potentiality and revelation for book lovers and want to be Writers. And although there were amusing and quirky moments throughout this work, which was combined with graphic design that was stylish, unique and playful. For me, the potential wasn't realized and I was left grateful that this was from the library and not a purchase. Its lack of substance created dissatisfaction and vapidity.
October 14, 2012
This handsome hardcover is interesting and entertaining since it's an anthology of the authors' secrets as revealed to their readers. It won't definitely be boring due to its artistically-designed fonts, colors, photos, etc. Therefore, it's quite costly (US$35) and I hope there would be a paperback edition soon. From its 69 authors, Alain de Botton is my favorite because I've enjoyed reading most of his books. As for some others I'm sorry to tell you I knew them vaguely, unable to find time to read them. For instance, Will Self, Ian Rankin, A. S. Byatt, Joyce Carol Oates, Audrey Niffenegger, etc. Moreover, there's another author, Nicole Krauss, I recall reading her "History of Love" some years ago.
While reading these various reflections, we can see this book try to present its contemporary authors inquired to say something about their 'secret' motives that ignite their writing passions. So I think many readers might admire this book, one of the reasons is that we can share their ideas or 'secret' ways our favorite authors have effectively applied in writing as professionals do. Indeed, writing is one of the four skills in any language that needs practice as well as inspiration, aptitude and possibly charisma. We know that not everyone can be a good and great author but this anthology would provide you some ideas, understanding or even tips of thought.
However, its overall readability is something you might find somewhere, I found some pages boring when I read unintelligible chunks of his/her writing reflections but I kept reading till the end. Therefore, I'd like to recommend some I like most to you: A Large Desk (Alain de Botton), A Cabinet of Curiosities (A. S. Byatt), A Body Plummeting (Nicole Krauss), A Purple Pen, a Portable Home (Elif Shafak), and Seahorses (Jill Dawson).
In fact, I think the editor might have the idea on this book's title from Bertrand Russell whose "How I Write" was published in 1956 (Routledge, 2009) and it's all right because it focused on "The Secret Lives of Authors". If you read George Orwell, I hope you would find reading his "Why I Write" (Penguin, 2000) still illuminating and inspiring.
While reading these various reflections, we can see this book try to present its contemporary authors inquired to say something about their 'secret' motives that ignite their writing passions. So I think many readers might admire this book, one of the reasons is that we can share their ideas or 'secret' ways our favorite authors have effectively applied in writing as professionals do. Indeed, writing is one of the four skills in any language that needs practice as well as inspiration, aptitude and possibly charisma. We know that not everyone can be a good and great author but this anthology would provide you some ideas, understanding or even tips of thought.
However, its overall readability is something you might find somewhere, I found some pages boring when I read unintelligible chunks of his/her writing reflections but I kept reading till the end. Therefore, I'd like to recommend some I like most to you: A Large Desk (Alain de Botton), A Cabinet of Curiosities (A. S. Byatt), A Body Plummeting (Nicole Krauss), A Purple Pen, a Portable Home (Elif Shafak), and Seahorses (Jill Dawson).
In fact, I think the editor might have the idea on this book's title from Bertrand Russell whose "How I Write" was published in 1956 (Routledge, 2009) and it's all right because it focused on "The Secret Lives of Authors". If you read George Orwell, I hope you would find reading his "Why I Write" (Penguin, 2000) still illuminating and inspiring.
January 2, 2013
This wasn't what I was expecting, but it was good. Basically, the books' authors sent out requests to many accomplished writers and asked them to describe and/or send them an item or place or exercise that they find central/necessary to their writing process. The book contained pictures of a lot of these items or places and, in the questioned author's own words, an explanation of the impact the activity or piece of memorabilia has on their writing process. Coffee, nicotine, and chocolate were (not surprisingly) mentioned frequently. Also Post-It notes, hot water, and a series of strange figurines. For others it was a photograph or piece of artwork. What I enjoyed most was the candor and tone of voice in the writing. It felt, to me, very unguarded and honest. Made me see as human some of the authors I admire most. Not a long read, but interesting, and the pictures and layout were beautiful.
June 15, 2011
Writers have their crutches. Like only drinking tea or using a cork board to outline plots or needing a specific ratty stuffed animal near them when they write. These are the secret lives of writers.
This book was a fascinating read. The ones that stood out to me the most were Alain de Botton, with his huge desk that made me gape; Douglas Coupland, with his obsession with dark chocolate; and Chip Kidd, whose use of Quark to write made me laugh out loud. I'll be honest - many of the names in this book were vaguely familiar, but most of them didn't ring a bell. It shows an interesting peek into the lives of published authors. It isn't informative so much as entertaining.
Would I recommend this? Yes. It shows some interesting vices some writers have to make themselves write. Many of which will make you raise your eyebrow.
Warnings: the occasional F-bomb and S word that a few of the author's dropped when they wrote about their vices.
This book was a fascinating read. The ones that stood out to me the most were Alain de Botton, with his huge desk that made me gape; Douglas Coupland, with his obsession with dark chocolate; and Chip Kidd, whose use of Quark to write made me laugh out loud. I'll be honest - many of the names in this book were vaguely familiar, but most of them didn't ring a bell. It shows an interesting peek into the lives of published authors. It isn't informative so much as entertaining.
Would I recommend this? Yes. It shows some interesting vices some writers have to make themselves write. Many of which will make you raise your eyebrow.
Warnings: the occasional F-bomb and S word that a few of the author's dropped when they wrote about their vices.
September 10, 2008
At first glance, I didn't like this book: it looked like a coffee-table book — cool design, but no substance, I thought. I was wrong.
It's an anthology of very short statements from over sixty authors on how they write — specifically on the wierd habits or objects that have become an essential part of their process. Johathan Lethem's list of names, Jay McInerney's axe artifact, Lionel Shriver's toy Clippity, A.S. Byatt's "Antonia Writing Time!" notice, Jonathan Franzen's old and ugly office chair, Claire Messud's graph paper pad and fine .005 felt-tip pens ...
I came away with a fuller understanding that the process of writing is magical, that for many writers, it requires some sort of incantation, totem or ritual.
It's an anthology of very short statements from over sixty authors on how they write — specifically on the wierd habits or objects that have become an essential part of their process. Johathan Lethem's list of names, Jay McInerney's axe artifact, Lionel Shriver's toy Clippity, A.S. Byatt's "Antonia Writing Time!" notice, Jonathan Franzen's old and ugly office chair, Claire Messud's graph paper pad and fine .005 felt-tip pens ...
I came away with a fuller understanding that the process of writing is magical, that for many writers, it requires some sort of incantation, totem or ritual.
May 22, 2015
As many people have noted in other reviews, the style of this books is very much on the 'coffee-table' front; it's appealing to and easy on the eye with playful colours and images that suit the perceived character of each of the writers included. The stories so beautifully presented in this book are numerous in number and nature; no two are the same though many are similar, as can be expected for they talk of the same matter: writing. As a writer, it's inspiring to read these accounts however I can see how it would be a fascinating read for someone who doesn't write and isn't exposed to many writers. It's a book well worth a read, even if you only get through a handful of the pages.
August 10, 2008
Dit boek had beter "Where I Write" kunnen heten, want het bevat tientallen foto's van de werkplekken van bekende en minder bekende auteurs - van de imposante muur vol post-it-blaadjes van Will Self en het gipsen heiligenhoofd op de werktafel van Audrey Niffenegger tot de merklappen van overgrootoma in de schrijfkamer van Marie Darrieussecq en de babyfoto's boven het bureau van Alain de Botton. Let ook op het gestreepte kussen op de bureaustoel van de laatste.
Geweldig van vormgeving en typografie, dus ideaal om lang in te bladeren als het met je eigen schrijven niet wil lukken...
Geweldig van vormgeving en typografie, dus ideaal om lang in te bladeren als het met je eigen schrijven niet wil lukken...
September 25, 2013
When I first cracked open the book and read a few essays, I wasn't too excited. Although it was not quite what I expected it to be, it was ok in terms of a quick read and seeing what vices and object help or hinder some of the writers.
Also, to be honest, I was not familiar with many of the authors that were showcased in the book, so perhaps that played a bit into my disinterest. Over all it is interesting to take a glimpse into writer's lives, but be prepared... a tiny keyhole glimpse is all you will get.
Also, to be honest, I was not familiar with many of the authors that were showcased in the book, so perhaps that played a bit into my disinterest. Over all it is interesting to take a glimpse into writer's lives, but be prepared... a tiny keyhole glimpse is all you will get.
August 28, 2007
Neat looking book with strong graphics and layouts. Anglo-centric with a few hidden gems amongst generally interesting authors' descriptions of the quirky things that inspire, motivate, or accompany them as they ply their craft. Quick short entries from each author make this a "pick up and put down for later" book that doesn't require much time to enjoy. Would give it 4 1/2 stars if I could. A 1/2 deducted for authors that I would have chosen that weren't included...
April 12, 2010
This is a collection of nearly 70 essays by writers about how they write. A common thread seems to be procrastination and how authors get themselves into a mindset to write. Many authors shared stories and pictures about objects in their office.
Designer Vince Frost was apparently given free reign to put the book together. I found the design and layouts he chose for each essay to be as fascinating as the essays.
Designer Vince Frost was apparently given free reign to put the book together. I found the design and layouts he chose for each essay to be as fascinating as the essays.
February 2, 2016
I only borrowed it because Anthony Bourdain had an essay in there. I read a couple of the other essays. They were insightful, I suppose, but I don't want to become a professional writer, so it was not too helpful to me. His essay was meh, thouugh. I guess he smoked a lot when he wrote, but I think he doesn't smoke anymore. So, meh!
April 21, 2008
A fun book. Short essays by writers about their writing spaces and obessesions accompanied by actual photos and drawings. A little like a coffee table book. I enjoyed reading it if only to laugh or not feel so weird about myself as a writer.
October 29, 2010
This isn't an informative book about writing, it's a book about the oddities of people: What is important to one person just seems strange to another. Still, it is worth pondering the how's' and why's' that make up those that are compelled to write and who write well.
September 21, 2012
Writers writing about how, where, and when they write often times accompanied by their own personal photos of their workspace, talimanic items or inspiration.
Oscillates between being insightful and funny to verbose and pretentious.
Interesting nonetheless.
Oscillates between being insightful and funny to verbose and pretentious.
Interesting nonetheless.
July 13, 2007
neato pictures, not enough poets
September 23, 2008
love this book, makes me realize other authors
out there are just like me!
We are all kindred spirits!
out there are just like me!
We are all kindred spirits!
April 23, 2009
I loved the idea behind this book, but I wish there were a few more mainstream authors included.
December 30, 2011
Some of the contributions were interesting. Some made me want to write. Some were just descriptions of objects (and of those some, many were boring and most were skimmed or skipped).
June 25, 2012
Single or double page essays from various authors on how, why, where, etc., they write. Short reads for a time when your attention span is lacking. I enjoyed the art and layout, as well.
April 19, 2015
Totally not what I expected but still interesting!
December 8, 2015
Interesting little glimpses into authors' lives.
June 6, 2016
Interesting. Was more about talismans than the process of how the writers produce their manuscripts.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews