reading like a writer

There is a degree of condescention and snobbery in her tone. This item can be requested from the shops shown below. Prose says this method of learning by reading works through a kind of osmosis. As a late bloomer, many high school topics, including reading and writing were wasted on me. by Harper Perennial, Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them. world, it affirms that books, and more importantly, the time consuming process of mulling over words and putting together sentences that convey thoughts clearly--the act of writing, is still valued. HOLY S***! That appears to be Prose’s technique, which got on my nerves. What they do is offer ten to twenty minutes of lecture then go around from desk to desk answering individual questions. Francine Prose is right about one thing, you learn the most from reading the classics, or the masters. anyone interested in literature, especially ficton. This approach is very helpful in editing my own writing. Fair warning..I’ve been accused of ruining people’s mindless reading. Instead, she is absolutely inspirational. William Faulkner once wrote: ""Read, read, read. Most importantly, Prose cautions readers to slow down and pay attention to words, the raw material out of which all literature is crafted, and reminds us that good writing comes out of good reading. The 28-page P.S. 5 Steps to Reading Like a Writer. By continuing to browse the site you accept our Cookie Policy, you can change your settings at any time. Then write. And I suppose that is the strength of this book, her ability to look at the many examples offered and deconstruct them. Successful works of writing succeed for different reasons―a distinctive voice, moving storytelling, an empowering message, etc. Never in a million years would I recommend someone to suffer in the way I did reading this. I'm fine with that. I think I will attempt to read more "classic" works in print, than listening to them on audio, or at least for the debut voyage. In the last couple of years I've gotten in the habit of devouring books. If you have changed your email address then contact us and we will update your details. ISBN: 9781908526076 They're always. By the end of it, the book looks like … Written with passion, humor, and wisdom, Reading Like a Writer will inspire readers to return to literature with a fresh eye and an eager heart. Her list of suggested reading in the back led me to many youthful discoveries. In this way, an initial reading can provide a foundation, but the chapters remain as toolbox to open when a particular writing challenge presents itself. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. I knew I was in trouble when, a few pages into this book, I came upon the author's revelation that she. Appreciate every word to pick up knowledge into the universes of significance holed up behind them. In Reading Like a Writer, Prose invites you to sit by her side and take a guided tour of the tools and the tricks of the masters. In keeping with that philosophy, Prose selects passages that she considers to be prime examples of effective writing, encouraging readers to linger over the words and savor them, rather than speed reading, and to read closely, with careful attention to each word and phrase (a technique you might have encountered as "close reading"). Perhaps these are the reasons that I cite in trying to explain why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. It involves thinking about the craftsmanship and writing techniques authors use to keep readers turning the page. Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them (Paperback) In Reading Like a Writer, Prose invites you to sit by her side and take a guided tour of the tools and the tricks of the masters. We’d love your help. I realize it may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how easily we lose sight of the fact that words are the raw material out of which literature is crafted.”, “I’ve always found that the better the book I’m reading, the smarter I feel, or, at least, the more able I am to imagine that I might, someday, become smarter.”, See 2 questions about Reading Like a Writer…, Best Non-Fiction Books About Books and Reading, Recommendations for reading like a writer, Many versions of the book! My highlighter ran dry as I eagerly noted large swaths of wisdom and great lines from the many excerpts. In those volumes, almost everything you need to know about short stories is contained. That sounds harsher than I mean it. I was reminded of teachers of programming and tech things of that nature. It seems she knows EVERYTHING, but she never makes me feel stupid or base in my reading choices. Start by marking “Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them” as Want to Read: Error rating book. She reads the work of the very best writers—Dostoyevsky, Flaubert, Kafka, Austen, Dickens, Woolf, Chekhov—and discovers why their work has endured. Grr. Please select a reason for reporting this review: We have recently updated our Privacy Policy. What do you think reading like a writer is? So many things go into the construction of fiction--I found myself being thoroughly overwhelmed. Think of other texts/authors you know. In keeping with that philosophy, Prose sele. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Did you find that book yet? Price. She calls it "close reading" and I have been guilty of this infraction, called: Fast Reading. Number of pages: 304 Dimensions: 234 x 153 x 23 mm. Since you don’t have an instructor to point out what’s working, craft your own questions. I will not, however, say that this was a complete waste of time. If it's not, throw it out of the window.". I was worried that "reading like a writer" would make reading more of a chore and less enjoyable. This is a nonfiction guidebook for writers to help them hone their skill. Your order qualifies for free UK delivery. Now, I want you to turn to a passage … Don't worry, it's not about grammar or punctuation. Try to envision using this crafting in your own writing. So that is what she does. Plz combine them into one, Sally Thorne's Latest Rom-Com Leaves a Lasting Impression. That said, serious readers will learn an important lesson: Slow down and savor. These blinks explain the patterns of writing that make fiction memorable, powerful and authentic, helping us slow down our reading and find more enjoyable experiences in every book. Some people get all the luck. Think of the novel as a text in a class. Structure is the skeleton of every story. If you’re reading very slowly, if you’re really studying what you’re reading, you’re reading like a writer, you’re reading as an engaged reader… And read the same things again and again, like I … I was reminded of teachers of programming and tech things of that nature. Continuing the metaphor, she says reading is a way for the writer to see how other gardeners grow their roses. If this item isn't available to be reserved nearby. Give the craft a name. Read! Prose is a proponent of New Criticism -- the philosophy that works can be understood only by reading of the work as an entity unto itself, and not by reference to external indicia, like the author's life or political beliefs. ): it is imperative to know why writers write in the first place. I'm usually not too keen on books that are allegedly for writers, but this one is really good. This is a great book for writers. At the very least, it's a celebration of books and the art that goes into creating them. I think, simply, that I don't like Prose's personality. Reading is the process of taking in the sense or meaning of letters, symbols, etc., especially by sight or touch.. For educators and researchers, reading is a multifaceted process involving such areas as word recognition, orthography (spelling), alphabetics, phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and motivation. Later, that author’s voice might influence the writer’s work, but the process is sort of mysterious. First, it was King and his wackiness (only 2 drafts per novel? Product Details. Reading Like a Writer synthesizes Francine Prose's lifetime's experience in literature--as a reader, a writer, and a teacher. Reading Like a Writer is a clarion call for aspiring writers to do that most simple, time-consuming but enjoyable thing: their homework. The best way to sum this book up is, Francine Prose is the author of twenty works of fiction. Please enter your email address below and we'll send you a link to reset your password. I'm back to highlighting things and taking notes. Read more about this topic: Reading Like A Writer. Reading Like a Writer is both a Reading 101 manual and a very personal love letter to books. Reading actively is the key to being a better writer. world, it affirms that books, and more importantly, the time consuming process of mulling over words and putting together sentences that convey thoughts clearly--the act of writing, is still valued. What is close reading and how can you practice it? While I was reading I kept thinking I'd rather be reading short stories. Reading Like a Writer (2006) shows us how to read literary masterpieces with open eyes. Prose is a proponent of New Criticism -- the philosophy that works can be understood only by reading of the work as an entity unto itself, and not by reference to external indicia, like the author's life or political beliefs. The book may be geared more to budding writers, than to readers. Reading Like a Writer is a detail-oriented meditation on the subtle and undervalued craft of good reading. It is a book to read multiple times and then chase all the references to other books contained within and read those too. Publication date 2006 Topics Prose, Francine, -- 1947- -- Books and reading, English language -- Rhetoric, Creative writing, Authors -- Books and reading Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Collection inlibrary; printdisabled; internetarchivebooks; china Digitizing sponsor Internet Archive Contributor Internet Archive Language English. While I was reading I kept thinking I'd rather be reading short stories. She was so enthused about Chekhov that I ended up following her advice and reading the 13 volumes of his stories translated by Constance Garnett. Unfortunately there has been a problem with your order, Please try again or alternatively you can contact your chosen shop on, Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them (Paperback). And it was. Sally Thorne, author of The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine, explores what it means to take risks for love, and for yourself, in her newest... To see what your friends thought of this book. To read like a writer is to apprentice yourself to another writer. Finally, Prose gives us an exhaustive delve into the greats themselves: 100 Years of Solitude, (gasp!) ), & sincere cheers (he wants you to succeed). There's also a pretty handy list at the end, of books that illustrate some of the points Prose makes. But in fact it’s essential to slow down and read every word. First, let me get this out of the way: Francine Prose is the absolute best name for an author, ever. Location, Location, Location. 12min Team. What they do is offer ten to twenty minutes of lecture then go around from desk to desk answering individual questions. Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with a definitive answer. Your local Waterstones may have stock of this item. I've never read Francine Prose's fiction. For me, it enhances my reading pleasure to stop every once in a while and consider what the writer is doing, and why, and how well. contains an author biography and READING AND WRITING: A CONVERSATION WITH FRANCINE PROSE--an extensive interview by Jessica Murphy--that first appeared in THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY online. I tend to skim books a lot when I get to parts that bore me, and then I end up falling into the habit and skimming all the time. ), & sincere cheers (he wants you to succeed). The site uses cookies to offer you a better experience. If it's good, you'll find out. That appears to be Prose’s technique, which got on my nerves. In returning more recently to reading, and to a lesser extent writing, I have started to gain an appreciation of these arts, and in turn to mourn the loss of this early education. April 10th 2007 They're always well written and this sort of reviewer is often not a book critic per se, but an "expert" in the subject matter. “Prose’s little guide will motivate ‘people who love books,’” notes a New York Times book review. Your review has been submitted successfully. We try to teach kids to create their own style by learning the styles of other writers and taking on those craft moves that they think they can do and that they think will enhance their writing, without imitating the exact structure of the other writer’s piece. Reading like a writer means paying attention to the book. Written with passion, humour and wisdom, Reading Like a Writer will inspire readers to return to literature with a fresh eye and an eager heart - to take pleasure in the long and magnificent sentences of Philip Roth and the breathtaking paragraphs of Isaac Babel; to look to John le Carre for a lesson in how to advance plot through dialogue and to Flannery O'Connor for the cunning use of the telling detail; to be inspired by Emily Bronte's structural nuance and Charles Dickens's deceptively simple narrative techniques. Reading Like a Writer is a writing guide by American writer Francine Prose, published in 2006. Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them by Francine Prose Book Review. I really enjoyed this book and the author's focus on the finer points of writing. Reading like a reader is an important skill, and there’s definitely a time and place for it—like, for example, in an English classroom or while reading a movie or restaurant review: you’re not interested in how the writer or filmmaker or chef got there; what you’re interested is the final product.. When you Read Like a Writer (RLW) you work to identify some of the choices the author made so that you can better understand how such choices might arise in your own writing. It's annoyingly like finding oil changing advice in the New York Times crossword or having your wine snob friend demonstrate the way to lay drywall with metaphors drawn from the bouquet of their favorite shiraz.

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