Free eBooks Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors On How And Why They Do What They Do Available To Downloads

                
              
Free eBooks 
Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors On How And Why They Do What They Do Available To Downloads
Twenty of America's bestselling authors share tricks, tips, and secrets of the successful writing life.Anyone who's ever sat down to write a novel or even a story knows how exhilarating and heartbreaking writing can be. So what makes writers stick with it? In Why We Write, twenty well-known authors candidly share what keeps them going and what they love most—and least—about their vocation.Contributing authors include:Isabel AllendeDavid BaldacciJennifer EganJames FreySue GraftonSara GruenKathryn HarrisonGish JenSebastian JungerMary KarrMichael LewisArmistead MaupinTerry McMillanRick MoodyWalter MosleySusan OrleanAnn PatchettJodi PicoultJane SmileyMeg Wolitzer
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Plume (January 29, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0452298156
ISBN-13: 978-0452298156
Product Dimensions:  5.3 x 0.6 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review:  4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #11,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)   #19 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Publishing & Books > Authorship   #69 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Writing Skills
Writing for most is a largely a labour of love. For a much, much smaller number it can be a lucrative profession. As editor Maran points out, "one million manuscripts are currently searching for a U.S. publisher. One percent of these will get the nod." Even then only thirty percent of published books turn a profit. Even with these daunting odds and a confusing publishing industry, more and more people are writing (which is great).The format of this particular book is clean, clear and appealing. Maran interviewed twenty notable authors and gives them each a short chapter. There is a nice balance between a standard set of questions and unique ones that flowed from the conversations. One of the things that works in its favour is the succinct length. The result is a comfortingly familiar set of responses mingled in with a wider array of pleasingly original bon mots. What struck me the most was honesty of response. All of those interviewed are extremely blunt in their assessment of the trade. The long and short is, writing is a challenge both as a skill and as a business.What motivates these literary luminaries ranges from "sheer egoism" to "historical impulse" to bringing "order to the chaos of life". Among those in the book are David Baldacci, Sebastian Junger, Michael Lewis, Jodi Picoult and Meg Wolitzer. Sue Grafton delights with her reason for choosing the profession, "I write because in 1962 I put in my application for a job working in the children's department at Sears, and they never called me back."Most believe that to be a good writer, one must read. That is an oft-cited tip but Jennifer Egan takes it further by suggesting that writers should "Read at the level at which you want to write.
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