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Title: The Writer As an Artist: A New Approach to Writing Alone & with Others by Pat Schneider ISBN: 1-56565-073-5 Publisher: Amherst Writers & Artists Press Pub. Date: September, 1993 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 (5 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: It's a pretty good start, but...
Comment: This book won't give the same results for everyone precisely because of the approach it takes. Like so many other writing 'how to' books, it straddles the line between instruction and self-help therapy. In the same vein, Schneider chooses to focus largely (but no exclusively) on would-be writers who are damaged and female.
The AWA method (pioneered by Schneider) is an established and sometimes incredibly useful way to workshop for many people. But it's not for everyone. This book unfortunately will be too touchy-feely for a lot of writers who are looking to simply strengthen and improve their craft. The exercise ideas are good, often great. But the text itself slides toward the 'writers must bare all their private pains and anguishes to be able to write anything worth the effort' philosophy so popular these days.
The truth is, this is just one way of looking at writing, and I would say it is an approach that's counterproductive in the long run. It is capable of sometimes producing extraordinary writing, but far too often produces introspective self-flagellating drivel. Write what you know, write what's inside, yes! But turn outward, too, and write what you see and experience and can describe! Find a nurturing environment, yes! But challenge yourself and visit dangerous places outside your head, too!
I have heard that a second edition of this book is in progress. I am optimistic it will reach further and strive for more depth. Otherwise, it may feel like this first edition: it tries to be a great book about the writing process, but too often succumbs to the temptation to become a poor-man's psychoanalyst.
Rating: 5
Summary: An Inviting Way to Look at Creativity
Comment: This book is outstanding! Out of the many books I have recently read about writing & art, this far the best. The author has a way of inviting you in as an writer of many genres, having you feeling legitimate in your aspirations to write and create. This book is inspiring and nurturing in its content and delivery. Her methodology for writing is one that I personally plan to pursue (The Amherst Writers and Artists Method). This is a must read book for the spoken word artists!
Rating: 5
Summary: Schneider's Suggestions Work
Comment: As a writing teacher in a maximum security women's prison, I meet with great reluctance from students when it comes to writing. Many of them have had terrible school experiences wherein they've suffered humilation and failure. Who doesn't remember having an essay returned with a zillion red-penned corrections? Thus, it's essential to create a safe environment before students can even begin to find their voices. Pat Schneider's gentle technigues ensure an atmosphere where trust develops, and marginalized women can begin to share their stories. The exercises in The Writer as an Artist are appropriate for a wide writing population, and Schneider provides step by step suggestions for establishing a writing community where self-expression can flourish. As a teacher and writer, I am grateful for the book's practical advice, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in writing alone or in a group.
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Title: Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider, Peter Elbow ISBN: 019516573X Publisher: Oxford University Press Pub. Date: August, 2003 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman ISBN: 068485743X Publisher: Fireside Pub. Date: 20 January, 2000 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
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