About Writing: Seven Essays, Four Letters, and Five Interviews

by Samuel R. Delany

Synopsis of About Writing: Seven Essays, Four Letters, and Five Interviews

Essential reading for the creative writer.

Library Journal

This is not another how-to book for marketing fiction. Instead, in a complicated pattern set within the format of seven lengthy essays, four random letters to unidentified colleagues, and five interviews, award-winning sf novelist Delany (English & creative writing, Temple Univ.) offers readers a description of the art of writing fiction, a demonstration of how fiction fits into today's world, and a discussion of the writer's reputation. Delany offers insights from his more than 30 years of writing and teaching experience, and hence his book may prove useful for writing teachers. However, it is too poorly organized to serve as a practical guide for aspiring writers and provides no index to help the reader hone in on a topic. Also, while many of Delany's theories-especially his examples of the differences between good writing and talented writing-are intriguing enough to allow this book a place in academic libraries, even the most dedicated scholars may find plodding through the verbose narratives a painfully slow experience. Public libraries, save your shelf space.-Nedra Crowe-Evers, Sonoma Cty. Lib., Santa Rosa, CA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

About the Author, Samuel R. Delany

SAMUEL R. DELANY has taught writers workshops for over 35 years, and has won the William Whitehead Memorial Award for a lifetime's contribution to gay and lesbian literature. He has also been recognized with both Hugo and Nebula awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Darkroom Black Students Collective at Harvard University. Delany is Professor of English and creative writing at Temple University, and lives in New York City.

Reviews of About Writing: Seven Essays, Four Letters, and Five Interviews

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