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Lee Gutkind

You Can't Make This Stuff Up Paperback – Illustrated, August 14, 2012

by Lee Gutkind (Author)

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From "the godfather behind creative nonfiction" (Vanity Fair) comes this indispensable how-to for nonfiction writers of all levels and genres, "reminiscent of Stephen King's fiction handbook On Writing" (Kirkus).

Whether you're writing a rags-to-riches tell-all memoir or literary journalism, telling true stories well is hard work. In You Can't Make This Stuff Up, Lee Gutkind, the go-to expert for all things creative nonfiction, offers his unvarnished wisdom to help you craft the best writing possible.

Frank, to-the-point, and always entertaining, Gutkind describes and illustrates every aspect of the genre. Invaluable tools and exercises illuminate key steps, from defining a concept and establishing a writing process to the final product. Offering new ways of understanding the genre, this practical guidebook will help you thoroughly expand and stylize your work.

Print length

288 pages
Language

English
Publication date

August 14, 2012
Dimensions

6 x 0.72 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

0738215546
ISBN-13

978-0738215549
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Most writers interested in the [creative nonfiction] genre will want this on their shelves.” Internet Review of Books, 10/3/12“This book belongs in a writer’s library.”

Midwest Book Review, October 2012“From ethical questions on turning nonfiction into creative writing to handling the fine line between fact and fiction, this covers common pitfalls and provides concrete approaches to success.”

Milwaukee Shepherd Express, 11/1912“Students and teachers of writing will find You Can’t Make This Stuff Up instructive and inspiring…Those leery of yet another writer’s manual will likely find they enjoy reading this engaging book for the way the author weaves together true stories well told.”
Curled Up with a Good Book, 11/16/12“Memoirists and journalists looking for a fresh approach or a change of pace would do well with You Can't Make This Stuff Up. Everyone else can enjoy a quick and enjoyable trot through an often maligned but compelling and growing literary genre.”

The Worlds of R.A. Hortz, 12/10/12
“An informative book that should be on the bookshelf of every writer.”

Kirkus Reviews, 7/15/12
“Reminiscent of Stephen King’s fiction handbook On Writing, the book will be useful to both new writers and seasoned chroniclers seeking a professional refresher course on the basics of content and continuity and on how to expand audience attention for typically esoteric material…An accessible, indispensable nonfiction guidebook from an authority who knows his subject from cover to cover.”

Booklist, August 2012“Gutkind, at once methodical and anecdotal in his instruction, offers clear and practical guidance on artistic concerns and matters technical, ethical, legal, and moral.…With expertise equaled by enthusiasm, the founder and editor of the magazine Creative Nonfiction advocates for the genre in which writers ‘can be poetic and journalistic simultaneously.’ An enlightening call for the highest of literary standards."

New York Journal of Books, 8/14/12“You will be inspired and encouraged to write your way toward the inherent power of your story—becoming a better writer in the process.”

The Writer, October 2012“Anyone seeking to write creative nonfiction will benefit from Gutkind’s clear and instructive voice…The many examples of great creative nonfiction he offers (and carefully analyzes in order to explain their magic) are alone worth the price of the book.”

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 9/30/12“Mr. Gutkind’s latest work…is the kind of book about mastering the writing life we’ve come to expect from him: brash, clearly written, opinion-heavy, personal anecdote-driven, and chock full of practical exercises.”
Bookviews blog, October 2012“This is a grand tour of creative nonfiction, providing challenging writing exercises, analytical reflections on the techniques the best writers use, tips and getting published, and much more. I have been a nonfiction writer my whole life and I can confirm this book will turn you into one as well.”
Infodad.com, 10/4/12“A useful workbook for a specific writing niche, and people wanting to break into the field—especially those parts involving Gutkind himself or influenced by him—would do well to go through the exercises and recommendations in some detail.”

"Frank and entertaining, You Can't Make This Stuff Up illustrates each aspect of the genre with depth and clarity. In his comprehensive guide, Lee Gutkind, author and editor of nearly thirty nonfiction books, offers invaluable tools and exercises to help writers of all skill levels thoroughly expand and stylize their work."―ForeWord Reviews

"Presents general guidelines for weaving fiction techniques into factual writing along with advice on maintaining the writer's integrity and respecting narrative truth...Most writers interested in the genre will want this title on their shelves."―Library Journal

About the Author

Lee Gutkind is the award-winning author of ten books, editor of ten anthologies, and founder of the first MFA creative nonfiction program at the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently Distinguished Writer-in-Residence at the Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes at Arizona State University.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Da Capo Lifelong Books; Illustrated edition (August 14, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0738215546
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0738215549
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.1 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.72 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #249,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #250 in Authorship Reference
- #418 in Writing Skill Reference (Books)
- #632 in Fiction Writing Reference (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.5 376 ratings

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Lee Gutkind

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Lee Gutkind, recognized by “Vanity Fair” as “the Godfather behind creative nonfiction,” is the author and editor of more than 30 books and founder and editor of “Creative Nonfiction,” the first and largest literary magazine to publish narrative nonfiction exclusively.

Gutkind has lectured to audiences around the world, and has appeared on many national radio and televisions shows, including “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” Good Morning America, National Public Radio and BBC World. He is the recipient of various grants and awards, from the National Endowment for the Arts to the National Science Foundation.

His book, “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up,” is described by Susan Orlean, author of “The Orchid Thief,” as the “essential and definitive guide to creative nonfiction . . . engaging, useful, indispensable and inspiring.”

Visit his website at www.LeeGutkind.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

376 global ratings

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Amazon Customer

The single best book I've read on creative non-fiction.

Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2023

Verified Purchase

I have struggled with "help" books, amateur editors ... and myself in writing "Lahaina Town," who all seemed to like my voice but not my style. I was told early on by a writer who stayed at my Bnb to "write the way you speak." I often sat at my breakfast table talking to guests--answering their questions about life in paradise and recounting my experiences, and I wanted my readers to feel like I was also speaking to them. A narrative creative non-fiction book is not easy for a first-time writer, but this author at least confirmed it is a legitimate style. I would like to see creative non-fiction added to the genre selections on Amazon and other platforms. Mahalo, Molly Mullen

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drbacca

New writer focusing on nonfiction

Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2023

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Very insightful and enjoyable. As a new writer trying to find my voice and genre, intially in nonfiction realm, I needed this perspective. Creative nonfiction as a college major, let alone a career was illuminating. I learned truthfully passion is key. Thanks!

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In two words: Don't lie. Not when you're presenting your work as nonfiction.

Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2013

Verified Purchase

This book presents very good arguments in favor of writing nonfiction as the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

I'll admit that I'm biased and I'm probably not the target audience for this book. I write nonfiction, but mostly fringe, New Age, and BOTS (based on a true story) books. I'm writing with a deliberate slant, and my goal is as much to entertain my readers as to inform them.

So, though the subtitle of this book says its "the complete guide to writing creative nonfiction from memoir to literary journalism and everything in between," I felt as if the author placed clear and narrow limits on how "creative" nonfiction can be. I'm sure that, from his viewpoint, permitting Dewey Decimal Classification 398 (including folklore, fairy tales, and ghost stories) was a grave error.

I wanted to like this book, and I'm sure it's a bible for people who want to write gritty stories about real life, including tragedies and tales of redemption. However, even the examples in this book were depressing, albeit well-written (or perhaps because they're so well written.)

If you love reading books by authors like Steinbeck, Normal Mailer, and Hemingway, you're sure to like this book. If you'd describe yourself as a "cynic," this book is your cup of tea.

For me, this book clarified the kind of writer I am by showing me the kind of writer I'm not... and absolutely, positively, never want to become. Bring on the musical comedies! Give me P. G. Wodehouse!

53 people found this helpful

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Namwan

I wish I had read this since before I started work

Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2013

Verified Purchase

Considering that I have never written a review on Amazon before, and I've read many Kindle books, this must have been a very good read!

I have been working as a reporter for a local newspaper in Thailand for four years.

A month ago, one of our subeditors sent me an e-mail saying:

"Just gave you an ovation in the newsroom for your debt collector feature. The way you told a story at the beginning of the debt collector piece is exactly how we should be drawing readers into longer features."

It started with a scene where a debt collector picked up the phone at two in the morning and found out that a client was about to commit suicide.

Because I work for the business section, it is easy for readers to read the first paragraph and then move on to another more interesting article.

So I decided to get serious about narrative journalism and bought this book, which was not only informative but also entertaining. Lee Gutkind is THE expert who knows how to teach writing creative non-fiction in a fun and memorable way. I would recommend this to everyone writing non-fiction.

13 people found this helpful

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KDWalker4

Writing class text

Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2022

Verified Purchase

Using as a class text for emeritus writing course, extremely helpful for non-fiction creative writing

One person found this helpful

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Brendan Dixon

The best of the best of the best

Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2013

Verified Purchase

I am sad to both write a short review and to write it poorly. Gutkind deserves better. I am one of those mid-career professionals exploring Creative Nonfiction. Since I learn by reading and then by doing, I consume many books when first approaching a subject. Gutkind's book is not my first, but it is the best. He will not tell you how to generally write well - there are other books that teach those principles. He does tell you how to write Creative Nonfiction well. There is more in this book than in the others I've read combined. It is not hidden behind self-congratulatory prose or interlaced with irrelevant detail. Every page has something worth highlighting.

I was at first put-off when I snuck a peek at the end where Gutkind suggests reading the book again. How arrogant! Now that I've finished his book. I am eager to accept and follow his advice. I will read this book again - possibly many times.

8 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

A Book Professionals Admire

Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2017

Verified Purchase

I'm a professional magazine editor and book author (40+ years), who just finished reading "You Can't Make This Stuff Up," and found this to be a great instructional manual on creative nonfiction. I learned -- and relearned -- so much from the fascinating and well-crafted text. There is something artistically beautiful about how the author (who I do not personally know) interwove instruction and example into a stunning tapestry.

To give weight to my praise, one of my books was on Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2002 and my most recent book was on Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2014 (Behind the Lines by Jeffrey B. Miller). I picked up Lee Gutkind’s book because I've been struggling with my most recent book and decided I needed to have a refresher course in creative nonfiction. The book has not only reminded me of some sound fundamentals, but it has given me many new perspectives on how to creatively tell a story. Best of all, it has truly re-energized me to my project.

48 people found this helpful

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S. Whitney

Engrossing

Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2021

Verified Purchase

I started reading this book to get the information I would be presenting in my high school creative writing class into some form of recognized structure. I soon became engrossed in the content and found myself changing parts of my own writing. I highly recommend this book to students of writing and specifically to anyone interested in writing nonfiction.

3 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer

Everything you need and nothing you don’t.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2020

Verified Purchase

The book is a distillation of a lifetimes literarily wisdom. Gutkind gives us the benefit of a career teaching and practicing creative non fiction. He assumes that you’re already a writer. I think this is a reasonable assumption. Others may disagree. The many examples he gives of successful creative non fiction are as inspiring as they are illuminating. The book is an absorbing and entertaining piece on creative non fiction itself.

P N G

Brilliant and Insightful

Reviewed in India on March 1, 2021

Verified Purchase

This has been a great read for me and has influenced me in many ways. Although the kindle version was expensive, but i believe it has delivered value multiple times its worth.

Jonathan Baldie

Ignore the other Gutkind books on creative nonfiction and buy this one

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 21, 2020

Verified Purchase

There are a number of How To books on creative nonfiction by Lee Gutkind, and I wholeheartedly recommend this one. This doesn't have the formatting and quality issues that the others do, and is far more practical. Highly useful and full of profound Eureka! moments.

Bev H

Excellent ideas, guides

Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2015

Verified Purchase

This book should be the first one on your reading list if you are going to write memoirs, biography, autobiography. Excellent ideas, guides, and suggestions. For Canadian readers-take note of the various name for genres which are not common ly used in Canada. It's about time they were.

3 people found this helpful

Project Gorilla

If you want in-depth, look elsewhere

Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2017

Verified Purchase

It is far easier to read than other Non-Fiction how-to's. That being said, I can't say that I came away with a lot. So, it's okay as an intro book, but look elsewhere if you want more in-depth on the subject.

One person found this helpful

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