Comments on: The Writing of Fiction – Book Review

By: Caribousmom

Caribousmom — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:43:56 +0000

Rebecca: Hope you’ll enjoy it – it definitely gives the reader insight!

Jenclair: Looking forward to hearing your thoughts about it

By: Caribousmom

Caribousmom — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:13:05 +0000

Valerie: I’ve also read King and Lamott’s books on writing – and Wharton’s is VERY different from both of those books, but still quite fascinating!

Molly: Oh, I think given your profession…you would really find this book interesting. I’ll be looking for your thoughts on it!

Teddy: I agree with you 100% re: short stories (which I actually think are harder to write well than a novel). I was not surprised that two of my top 10 books in 2009 were short story collections!

By: jenclair

jenclair — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:47:33 +0000

Adding this to my list, too!

By: Rebecca Reid

Rebecca Reid — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:37:15 +0000

Although I don’t consider myself a writer of fiction, this interests me because as you say it relates to how we read too: I’m always looking for great fiction!

By: Teddy

Teddy — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:33:11 +0000

I will have to take a look at this book. Not only am I a Wharton fan but I am also a short story fan. I would love to read her observations and comparisons to the novel.

When people tell me that they don’t like short stories, I tell them that they have not read any good ones then. I explain the short story is a art form and when well crafted is a real treat.

By: Molly

Molly — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:49:11 +0000

I have not had the fortune to read any of Ms. Wharton’s works, but I did just recently download The Age of Innocence to my Kindle and hope to read it soon.

On the other hand, I have found myself reading countless books over the past two weeks on the art of writing in general, and writing fiction in particular. I LOVE the quotes you highlighted in this post, and plan to check out this book as soon as possible!

By: Valerie

Valerie — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:25:45 +0000

I had no idea that Edith Wharton wrote a book on writing. I recently read books on writing by Stephen King and Anne Lamott, it would be interesting to compare Wharton’s to theirs!

By: Caribousmom

Caribousmom — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:53:39 +0000

Kathy: She is worth reading – my favorite (so far) of hers is Ethan Frome (which is also quite short).

Serena: I agree – it is fascinating to get a glimpse of the real person behind the book…glad I was able to steer you towards this one.

By: Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)

Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:22:19 +0000

I love these kinds of books that look into their writing lives…thanks for bringing this to my attention.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:08:39 +0000

It sure sounds like I need to read some Edith Wharton! I’m wondering why I never have.