The Art of Slow Writing: Reflections on Time, Craft, and Creativity

Memoirist and writing teacher DeSalvo (Writing as a Way of Healing) turns what might have been an exercise in navel-gazing into a lively and inspiring guide for writers of all stripes. Whether readers are taking their first stab at the Great American Novel or have a shelf full of books to their credit, they’re sure to benefit from DeSalvo’s insight into the many different methods employed by luminaries, such as Virginia Woolf, John Steinbeck, and Henry Miller, and contemporary authors, such as Michael Chabon, Stephen King, and Jonathan Franzen. DeSalvo also addresses the problem of not writing, sharing how authors like Anne Tyler and Alice Munro deal with everyday distractions, and ancillary topics such as the dreaded rejection letter, and the best way to deal with criticism. Readers can take solace in tips, such as “relax into the story,” practice daily, and be comfortable with the time it takes for work to become fully formed—and gain confidence in themselves, thanks to the knowledge that they’re not alone in their struggles. Buy two copies—the first will quickly sprout dog-ears. [em]Agent: Joanne Wyckoff, Carol Mann Agency. (Oct.) [/em]