Foundational. Absolutely foundational. The friendly kick in the arse I needed to finally convince myself to get my head down and write something which is completely trite, derivative and without merit. ( )

This had the *longest* sentences. It's a rolling, conversational read from one of the greats. The book is ostensibly geared toward newer writers, but frankly I think it would have been a bit much if I'd read it at that stage. As it is, I enjoyed the reading quite a bit--particularly the last chapter, titled "Faith"--and recommend it to writers at pretty much any stage of their abilities or career.

It's a shame Gardner is no longer with us. He's vastly opinionated in this book, and I kept wondering what he'd have to say about the pandemic. ( )

The first section, “The Writers Nature” is for me a most inspiring call to arms. In no uncertain terms Gardner lays out high standards for what it means to be in his view a “serious novelist,” but also backs up these high standards with compelling arguments for why art, in particular the art of writing novels, is wory pursuing.

4* because I found the rest of the book either dated or forgettable. These first 72 pages are not to be missed, though. ( )

"Novel-writing is not so much a profession as a yoga, or “way,” an alternative to ordinary life-in-the-world. Its benefits are quasi-religious - a changed quality of mind and heart, satisfactions no non-novelist can understand - and its rigors generally bring no profit except to the spirit. For those who are authentically called to the profession, spiritual profits are enough." (pg 145)

This is the best book I have read on the creative task of writing. So much of what John Gardner describes in this book rings true to my own experiences. He writes in a way that is personal, honest, and encouraging without disguising the difficulties of writing a novel (both technical as well as psychological).

I recommend this book to all writers everywhere (whether they be working on poems, short stories, essays, or novels). Gardner's explication of the creative method is useful, inspiring, and strikingly accurate. ( )

"Novel-writing is not so much a profession as a yoga, or “way,” an alternative to ordinary life-in-the-world. Its benefits are quasi-religious - a changed quality of mind and heart, satisfactions no non-novelist can understand - and its rigors generally bring no profit except to the spirit. For those who are authentically called to the profession, spiritual profits are enough." (pg 145)

This is the best book I have read on the creative task of writing. So much of what John Gardner describes in this book rings true to my own experiences. He writes in a way that is personal, honest, and encouraging without disguising the difficulties of writing a novel (both technical as well as psychological).

I recommend this book to all writers everywhere (whether they be working on poems, short stories, essays, or novels). Gardner's explication of the creative method is useful, inspiring, and strikingly accurate. ( )