Customer Reviews

Writing True: The Art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction

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

 

 

I am currently using this as my primary text in a writing class. The students respond well to the authors' consistently upbeat tone, and variety of suggestions for writing (titled 'ways in' at the end of each chapter). There could be some better integration between the instructional part and the rather slim anthology, but on the other hand, the anthology section of any textbook dates it rather quickly, and it's often useful to share with students other samples of fiction chosed by different taste (mine) rather than the authors'. There are plenty of tools for generating writing ideas, and the workshop chapter (chapter six) is one of the most useful I've seen in any writing textbook--instead of just giving warnings about being nice and supportive, they offer a four-round response session which my students have responded to very positively, and a checklist of 20 things to look for or consider in improving a piece.

My only criticism is not really of the book, but of the textbook's companion website. It's difficult to navigate for students, doesn't offer that much, and offers only locked pdfs--what if I want to print out a copy for myself (the professor) to jot a few notes on? Can't do it.

I'm in the middle of my Nonfiction Workshop class, but it's already abundantly clear that this book is essential to Nonfiction writing. The book breaks down terms and details about how to start and move through your nonfiction piece. It also includes essays from other writers as examples. This book is laid out great to take notes, and fits in purses and back pockets as easily as backpacks. I HIGHLY recommend this book for how it delivers ideas and pieces and how easily everything a nonfiction writer needs to know comes together at their fingertips.

This book goes through the craft of creative nonfiction with excellent short examples. It's a wonderful basic book for anyone thinking about writing a memoir or personal essays. Creative writing 101 with lots of excellent writing exercises to get things moving and on track. Bravo to the authors!!

This was a text book for a class, and it was a LOT cheaper than if I had bought it at a bookstore. It arrived in good time and in good condition.

First, if you have trouble reading point-size less than 12, you will be squinting all the way through the book unless you wear bifocals. Worse, extracts from other works are even smaller. Next, creative nonfiction also covers travel writing and other areas, but memoir writing is given too much emphasis in this book. There are also occasions when the reader is referred to a website -- purportedly, the authors' --- for more details. I did as told and was dismayed the website contained a listing of books for sale. Isn't that shortchanging the reader? Overall, many nuggets are contained in this book.