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Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 158 pages
Publisher: Bantam; Later Printing edition (April 1992)
Should I start with the good or the bad about this book? Eh, I'll just let it flow as it comes to me.
This was the paperback. The font was so tiny and the spaces between lines was tiny. I could only digest a page or two at a time.
This is written by a male who only spoke of mankind. Oh, he spoke of his wife a couple times. Once he said, and I can't find it to quote exactly, that his wife was appropriately quiet in response to his great idea. I know this was a time when women should be the rib and mothers of men. Not real people with their own minds and abilities. This macho writing was what my reading diet was as a young girl. This is why I look so hard for Bechdel approved work. And I don't just want two fems that talk a little to each other. I want fems of all shapes, sizes, ages, and belief systems. Please! Not another high-heels bimbo! But I digress. (ME?)
In spite of those problems of reading an old book, I found a lot of inspiration toward my own writing. In fact, the best chapter was called, On the Shoulders of Giants. I wanted to quote many line from that. I want to re-read it often. The book is worth the read if only for the tidbits in this section.
My favorite idea found in this book is his interpretation of science fiction and its importance to life itself. Sci-fi is the think-tank for science. Then science invents what we dreamed and it becomes a never-ending idea machine...and fems can add to that in great numbers and less wars!
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This pleasantly readable book is a collection of various musings on the art of writing, book introductions, and mini-memoirs by Ray Bradbury, science fiction's bright-eyed eccentric uncle. Most of these pieces date from the 1970s and early 1980s, although a few are earlier. There's also some pieces of poetry at the end, which left me yawning.
Fans of Bradbury will delight in some of his recollections, such as writing Fahrenheit 451 in the basement of a public library on a pay typewriter (half hour for each dime you put in the box). I'm not his greatest fan myself. I remember enjoying Fahrentheit 451 but being disappointed by The Martian Chronicles. Of course, I was a science nerd at the time, and wanted my sf less fanciful than Bradbury often made his.
But books on writing by famous authors have two natural audiences: fans of the writer who want to know everything about him, and aspiring writers hoping to glean some useful advice or insight into the writer's art and craft. The former group are well served by this book. How about the latter?
I think they are too, by and large. The recurring message Bradbury offers to hopeful writers is this: write what you really care about, not what you think will sell or get you points with literature snobs. And, trust your subconscious to pull meaning and imagery out of the depths of your lived experience. Bradbury relates how he got most of his early story ideas by making a list of words that came to him: The Meadow, The Tow Chest, The Monster... Eventually, many of the words on his list percolated into story ideas. He also takes a very holistic view to inspiration.Read more ›
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Ray has a way with words. Not in the word smith-y sort of way. But he makes the mundane sound brilliant. There's honesty in the way he presents his advice (or pointers) on how to kickstart writing career.
If you're interested in writing or need some inspiration to take your writing to another level, this book is for you. Many pros already have their own methods for getting good words on a page. But beginners, like me, sometimes need a little push. Here's your push.
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This is the ultimate book in the what it takes to access your creative mind and release your best work. There are no secrets here, you still have to put in the time. But Bradbury's analysis of what that means and why it's important puts the cliche into context. His rhythmic prose moves you through this quick read and will have you keeping it handy for future revisiting.
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This book is a collection of Ray Bradbury's insights into the art of writing... it boils down to this - just write! His stories are a joy to read. If a person is looking for an easy way to learn about writing, this book is not for them. But if a person is serious about the craft of writing and willing to make the sacrifices necessary to be a great writer, then I highly recommend this book.
There is not a lot about zen in this book and not a lot about writing, either. Rather, Mr. Bradbury leads the reader through the trials and tribulations of his own life experience in becoming one of the great writers of our age. His stories are warm and humorous and you will enjoy reading this book again and again, always getting something new from it.
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