Gregory Blotnick@gregoryblotnick
really good book on writing, I think one of the canonical texts
even if ur just a reader - "writing makes you a better reader, and reading makes you a better writer" - this book fits that
(1/4)
"There are only two plots in literature: a hero goes on a journey, or a stranger comes to town." -- that quote gets attributed to Gardner and is why I bought the book
turns out its apocryphal. but theres a lot in here thats just as valuable, and its easily something he could have said
its very clear this man is a master and is fluent not just in the craft but the way he dissects everyone from Faulkner to Dostoevsky, in language that did not occur to u naturally
this is not a "difficult" book re: length or language used. however, its very challenging in that a single sentence will make you stop and reflect on how applicable it is to you. you get out of it what you put into it
(2/4)
people see "creative writing" and think, I dont write, I dont need that. this is wrong
much of creative writing/fiction is simply your ability to describe day-to-day life or human nature
examples
-describe the face of the woman you love
-describe the way your friend walks
-an old hemingway one: watch people getting out of taxis and describe how they differ
etc...once u try this, and put words on paper, u will realize that ur writing is horrible, nondescript or cliche
then u will look at ur bookshelf and say "I need to see how the old masters did this"
then u realize u never really "read" these books.
this is how writing makes u a better reader.
(3/4)
whether an ability to describe everyday life is important to u or not...idk
if ur wired like me, as soon as a weakness of yours is brought to ur attention, u will not rest until its removed or progress is made
if ur reading this u prob come from a business background where u are instructed, more or less, to "tell, dont show"
this is the opposite of writing about life, where the cardinal rule is
"Show, don't tell."
so u have to both unlearn some of what u know, plus add an entirely different skillset.
(4/4)
I finished this 3-4 weeks ago and it has been bouncing around in my head since...thats how u know it was good
I never really rec shit that I just finished, bc it takes time to see if the writing had staying power. the great ones plant themselves in your subconscious
so I would say if you are someone who either appreciates great writing, or wants to improve for their own sake, this should prob be on ur shelf, and is one u will end up reading multiple times.
