4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Clever Book That Inspires...And Reads Quickly, April 23, 2006
This review is from: Crafting a Life in Essay, Story, Poem (Paperback)
Many of the best books on developing writing as an extension of one's aesthetic nature begins with seeing literacy through an organic, personalized viewpoint. Frank Smith and Ralph Flectcher model this type of seeing better than anyone I know.
Donald Murray (along with Regie Routman) trail slightly behind them. This book (in six chapters) allows Murray the stage to express his definition of writing...in writing.
Chapter Four ranks as my favorite chapter because he virtually gives a high school history lesson on the theory of narrative by explain many terms familiar to the student in a vernacular that he can actually understand! I'm an English major at my very genesis,...and I learned tremendous amounts about these definitions.
I disliked very little of this book, but it does speak to an individual who actually knows the value of writing. For the person who rarely writes for entertainment, it may baffle and confuse due to its personification of the process. This does not rank as a criticism; I'm simply pinpointing the audience for this book.
Please try it out.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Quick Read, June 23, 2008
This review is from: Crafting a Life in Essay, Story, Poem (Paperback)
Crafting A Life by Donald M. Murray was a quick, easy read that was extremely organized. Although I belief there is more to writing, Donald examines poetry, story, and poem with great detail. He takes the reader through his own process and allows the writer in each of us to be cultivated.
The first two chapters in this book seemed redundant in that the same information seemed to be repeated over and over but the chapters on the three areas of writing that Murray focuses on are clearly organized and informative.
Murray allows his personal voice to shine through, which gives the reader a sense that he is right there reading/working along with you. If you are looking for a "How-To" guide, this is not the place to look. This book will, however, help to guide the writer that grows inside each of us.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review of Donald Murray's CRAFTING A LIFE IN ESSAY, STORY, P, June 25, 2002
This review is from: Crafting a Life in Essay, Story, Poem (Paperback)
After reading Murray's book, even the most skeptical reader will be tempted to take up the craft of writing - at least as a hobby! At the same time, Murray teaches important attitudes, skills, and techniques involved in writing a variety of genres and in getting published, so the book also appeals to those interested in writing professionally.
Murray's appeal to such a diverse audience begins with his development of an intimate relationship with the reader in the introduction entitled "Why I Write." The reader can easily imagine having a cup of coffee with Murray while he shares the story of his birth as a writer and what motivates him to continue his writing life.
But it's not just about him. With charming candor, Murray invites readers to explore the possibilities of a writing life for themselves. While encouraging us to overcome our fear of writing and to develop a writing discipline, Murray comes across as a combination fairy Godmother and Olympic training coach. His maternal tone urges us to give ourselves "permission to write" and provides comforting advice. Yet, like a coach, he also expects us to challenge ourselves, set goals, and stop making excuses for not writing.
The first few chapters of the book also focus on "cultivating a writing habit" and provide tips on self-motivation, attitude, subject matter, elements of voice and discovery through keeping an open mind.
Once he has his readers convinced of the personal joys and benefits of the craft and confident in their own potential as writers, Murray shifts the focus to teaching techniques for the specific genres of essay, fiction, and poetry. These chapters may easily be used as springboards for writing exercises that are non-intimidating and likely to produce exciting results.
In addition, Murray generously shares samples of his own early drafts with crossed-out lines, notes in the margins and detailed discussions of why he made the changes he made. Anyone who thinks that professional writers simply sit down, receive inspiration and then spontaneously produce masterpieces will learn a lesson from Murray about the energy and commitment involved in the craft of writing.
Every step of the way, Murray displays rigorous honesty about himself as a writer, about the joys and struggles of the writer's life and about what it takes to please a reading audience.
The book ends with a discussion of the revision process and the usefulness of sharing our writing with a community of others who take the craft seriously. These companions can help us stay motivated, provide feedback about what works, catch mistakes and provide inspiration.
If you are interested in a writing career, Murray's last chapters will also help you understand the relationship between writers and editors, how to plan a book and how to prepare a manuscript for publication.
However, you need not be a serious writer to enjoy this experience with Murray. He probably will convince you that you need to write at least for yourself, but even if you remain opposed to the idea, you are bound to feel a deeper understanding and appreciation of the writing process.
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