Customer Reviews

The Passionate, Accurate Story: Making Your Heart's Truth into Literature

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Carol Bly's primary contribution is to look at the development of a story after the writer creates the first draft. "For the short story writer, [and probably longer fiction as well] a story is a combination of what the writer supposed the story would likely be about - plus what actually turned up in the course of writing. For this kind of process, literary criticism is of no use at all."

and

"Inventions come from one's original ideal joined with whatever service the imagination subsequently offers."

Unanticipated invention is what Bly wishes to encourage, fostering a fertile environment to create. It is the unfettered play of the unconscious upon the first draft that provides truly creative writing, writing outside of rules for drama, characterization, dialog and the rest. Those come later. The strength of the book is focusing on reviving the writer's unconscious.

Bly makes the case that writers are not neutral observers. Writers must believe in something and formally state, to themselves what they believe. These beliefs, which she calls a value listing, should be the foundation for writing. She does not imply that the writer should write propaganda, rather the values important to the writer should form the foundation, the story question perhaps, for the main character.

Bly does have comments on more writerly issues, plot, character, dialog, etc. gleaned from teaching writing. These are presented as well elsewhere. It is the chapters on invoking the unconscious and creating a values listing that set this book apart.

If you want to write, read this book. If you are writing, and feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of "do's and don't's" out there.....definetly read this book. This is absolutely the best book on writing I have ever read...Carol Bly is a compassionate, wise teacher and writer, the type of teacher you wish taught every English class. This book will take you from the free-for-all first draft, through the shaping of characters, plot, and dialogue. Her voice is encouraging, kind, and fully in support of the writer. A true gem. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's wonderful.

Definitely a student of the late John Gardner, Ms. Bly has written a wonderful guide for anyone--whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years already. I don't agree with her theory about the purpose of literature. She's a little too political for my taste. But that is easily dismissed in light of her wonderful eye for detail and her articulate view of what truly motivates people to write.

I love this book. It helps you get past the [stuff] bad teachers put in your head (focusing on grammar or spelling rather than passion) to find the really good stuff.

Carol Bly offers wonderful inspiration & practical advice to plumb your soul's depths.

There's so much wisdom and experience here.

If you want to write, this book gives you essential advice on starting along the path. Even if you've been writing 20 years, she'll help you find some shortcuts for your journey-- not expedient, easy paths, but high mountain treks which will get you to the writing places you, deep in you heart, really want to reach.

This is a book about writing that is different from all other books about writing I have read. (I have read a lot of books on writing.) That is because, although it gives good technical advice, it also addresses the question: what is actually worth writing about?

Interestingly enough this is my second review for this book because somehow my first one got mysteriously deleted! I particularly didnt like this book because Bly's whole focus seems to lie on her passionate political views which became very distracting. Any good information found (and there was some) was saturated with her personal views. To me it lacked focus for the purpose it was supposedly written for. Her writing style didnt engage me.

Better books on the Subject "The Moral Premise" by Stanley D. Williams and "The Healing Power of Stories" by Daniel Taylor.

I recommend you signing out this book at the library first before making a purchase. Hopefully there is value to be found.

I'm curious as to why Bly does not list this book on her website. Bly may be an excellent writer (although I haven't read any of her books), but this book left me disliking her style. Especially after reading the other reviews, I had higher hopes.

My copy is getting donated to the library. Just note, that with all reviews, it is all subjective.