Synopses & Reviews
Teachers, exercises, mentors, critiques, humor, and inspiration: these form the fuel all writers need when they get down to work every day. For decades the Loft Literary Center has provided this fuel to an enormous community of writers. Views from the Loft brings together the collected wisdom of that community its authors, students, and editors giving anyone the tools and inspiration necessary to thrive in the writing life. A whos who of writers on writing ranging from the National Book Awardwinning poet Mark Doty to Newbery medalwinning childrens author Kate DiCamillo, and touching on issues as delicate as the representation of family in memoir and as hilarious as a sad-epiphany poem” mad lib for frustrated poets, this book is an essential collection of crucial tips and challenging questions for everyone who puts pen to page. The essays and interviews in this book include superstar writers like Rick Bass, Michael Cunningham, Grace Paley, Susan Power, Susan Straight, Marilyn Hacker, and many, many more.
Synopsis
Founded nearly four decades ago by a group of young writers, the Loft has become our nation's largest independent literary center. The dream animating its inception--to build a community of writers and readers--has borne remarkable fruit, and today the Loft's community extends from its home in Minneapolis to writers and readers around the world.
Gathering the collected wisdom of that community--from practical tips and suggestions to ruminations on the mystery of the writing process--this invaluable book provides writers everywhere with the tools and inspiration they need to thrive. Invigorating, insightful, and illuminating throughout, this portable workshop is essential for writers of all levels.
Views from the Loft collects more than sixty essays, including those from luminaries including: Grace Paley on the writer's responsibility in the world. Rick Bass on keeping your schedule open for the muse. Marilyn Chin on grandfathers, cowlicks, and shoe glue in first drafts of poems. Lewis Hyde on embracing the mythology of wholeness in nonfiction. Ted Kooser on fostering a poetic life. And Susan Straight on writing through clogged toilets, broken windows, and the other charms of single-motherhood.
Synopsis
"A Who's who of writers on writing."--T.p. verso.