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On Writing

eudora welty

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Eudora Welty was one of the twentieth century's greatest literary figures. For as long as students have been studying her fiction as literature, writers have been looking to her to answer the profound questions of what makes a story good, a novel successful, a writer an artist. On Writing presents the answers in seven concise chapters discussing the subjects most important to the narrative craft, and which every fiction writer should know, such as place, voice, memory, and language. But even more important is what Welty calls “the mystery” of fiction writing—how the writer assembles language and ideas to create a work of art.

Originally part of her larger work The Eye of the Story but never before published in a stand-alone volume, On Writing is a handbook every fiction writer, whether novice or master, should keep within arm's reach. Like The Elements of Style, On Writing is concise and fundamental, authoritative and timeless—as was Eudora Welty herself.

106 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24,2002

This edition

Format
106 pages, Hardcover
Published
September 24, 2002 by Modern Library
ISBN
9780679642701
ASIN
0679642706
Language
English

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About the author

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eudora welty

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Eudora Alice Welty was an award-winning American author who wrote short stories and novels about the American South. Her book The Optimist's Daughter won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973 and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among numerous awards. She was the first living author to have her works published by the Library of America.

Welty was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and lived a significant portion of her life in the city's Belhaven neighborhood, where her home has been preserved. She was educated at the Mississippi State College for Women (now called Mississippi University for Women), the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Columbia Business School. While at Columbia University, where she was the captain of the women's polo team, Welty was a regular at Romany Marie's café in 1930.

During the 1930s, Welty worked as a photographer for the Works Progress Administration, a job that sent her all over the state of Mississippi photographing people from all economic and social classes. Collections of her photographs are One Time, One Place and Photographs.

Welty's true love was literature, not photography, and she soon devoted her energy to writing fiction. Her first short story, "Death of a Traveling Salesman," appeared in 1936. Her work attracted the attention of Katherine Anne Porter, who became a mentor to her and wrote the foreword to Welty's first collection of short stories, A Curtain of Green, in 1941. The book immediately established Welty as one of American literature's leading lights and featured the legendary and oft-anthologized stories "Why I Live at the P.O.," "Petrified Man," and "A Worn Path." Her novel, The Optimist's Daughter, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973.

In 1992, Welty was awarded the Rea Award for the Short Story for her lifetime contributions to the American short story, and was also a charter member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, founded in 1987. In her later life, she lived near Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, where, despite her fame, she was still a common sight among the people of her hometown.
Eudora Welty died of pneumonia in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 92, and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Jackson.

Excerpted and adopted from Wikipedia.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 70 votes)
5 stars
26(37%)
4 stars
28(40%)
3 stars
16(23%)
2 stars
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70 reviews All reviews
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roelteXon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Sorry - I did try.

When I have to read almost every sentence three times and it still doesn't make sense, it's really a frustrating situation.

Here, it could be the fault of either the writer or me.

Since Ms. Welty is a highly revered writer, with a great reputation in the literary world, it's more likely that the problem lies with me.

I gave it two stars, not because of the quality of the writing itself, but rather due to my inability to fully comprehend the first 30-some pages.

I found that Stephen King's works were much clearer for me to understand.

Maybe I need to read more of Ms. Welty's works and try to improve my reading skills and understanding to truly appreciate her writing.

But for now, based on this initial experience, I have to admit that I struggled with the beginning of this book.

Hopefully, with more effort and time, I will be able to overcome this hurdle and discover the beauty and depth of Ms. Welty's literary creations.
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Dcyend
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Currently Reading


I am currently engrossed in a captivating book. It takes me on a journey through different worlds and introduces me to a plethora of unique characters. The author's writing style is so engaging that I find it hard to put the book down. With each turn of the page, I am eager to discover what will happen next. As I read, I can vividly picture the scenes in my mind, as if I am actually there. This book has become my escape from reality, allowing me to unwind and immerse myself in a world of imagination. I can't wait to see how the story unfolds and what awaits me in the remaining pages. It's truly a wonderful experience being currently reading this amazing book.
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carl069
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Really, this is a truly wonderful and in-depth, practical collection of essays about writing. It涵盖了诸多方面，包括情节、地点、时间、词汇选择等等。

She employs examples from her own life, those of other classic writers, as well as her own works to expound on her points.

Her chapter titled: "Must the Novelist Crusade?" is extremely timely, especially as an increasing number of authors view writing as a means of promoting an ideology.

Here is a quote: Since we must and do write each our own way, we may during actual writing obtain more lasting instruction not from another's work, regardless of its blessings and however superior it may be to ours, but from our own poor scratched-over pages. For these we can hold up to life. That is, we are born with a mind and heart to hold each page up to, and to ask: is it valid? This quote emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the unique perspective that each writer brings to their work. It also highlights the idea that our own efforts and experiences are valuable sources of learning and growth in the writing process.
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Otaku_Machine
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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"Words into Fiction," which gets five stars, is indeed the very best of the seven essay books.

This remarkable work stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it offers unique and profound insights into the art of transforming words into captivating fictional stories. The author's expertise and passion shine through every page, making it a truly engaging read.

Secondly, the book is filled with practical tips and techniques that aspiring writers can easily apply to their own work. From character development to plot construction, each aspect is explored in detail, providing valuable guidance for those looking to improve their writing skills.

Finally, "Words into Fiction" is not only a great resource for writers but also a fascinating read for anyone interested in the world of literature. It offers a glimpse into the creative process and shows how words can be used to create vivid and unforgettable fictional worlds. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves books and writing.
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cantaloupfiend
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A thin book yet filled with remarkable information. I picked it up after many years as preparation for teaching at Johns Hopkins once again this fall.

One of my most cherished Welty stories is "No Place for You, My Love." Alan Cheuse directed my attention to it when I was a graduate student, but I never truly grasped how it functioned.

However, in "On Writing," Welty elaborates on how this story initially failed. Then her perception of it transformed during a journey to the backcountry south of New Orleans. How the countryside entered her mind and enabled her to truly expand the story. In a sense, the land "south from South" became the third character in the piece regarding the ill-fated lovers.

This account by Welty provides valuable insights into the creative process. It shows how a writer can overcome initial setbacks and find inspiration in unexpected places. The description of the countryside and its impact on the story adds depth and richness to the narrative. It makes me eager to re-read the story and see if I can now understand it in the way Welty intended.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of writing or in the works of Eudora Welty. It offers a unique perspective on the creative journey and is sure to inspire and inform.
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Aria34
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is the very first on-writing type of book that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

One might be tempted to overlook its value based on the original publishing date, but that would be a grave mistake.

The advice contained within these pages is truly timeless.

It doesn't matter if the book was published decades ago; the principles and insights it offers are as relevant today as they were when it first hit the shelves.

Good writing advice has a way of transcending time and remaining applicable in any era.

This book is a prime example of that.

It provides a wealth of knowledge and practical tips that can help writers of all levels improve their craft.

Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced author looking to refine your skills, this book has something to offer.

So don't let the original publishing date deceive you.

Pick up this book and discover the valuable advice that awaits you.

You won't be disappointed.
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The1AndOnlyPro
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Reading this is truly an extraordinary experience. It's as if we are unpacking the intricate writing mindset of a great writer. We comb through it with the utmost care, like using a fine-toothed comb, in search of those precious gems hidden within the text. And once we find them, we examine them closely with a loupe, marvelling at their beauty. The beauty of Welty's language is so profound that it often leaves us straining to be coherent in its presence. I was constantly brought up short with wonder numerous times while reading this book. It's important to note that this book requires more than one reading to fully get used to the unique form of Welty's language. If the reading process seems slow at first, don't worry. In fact, taking our time in this way ensures that we won't miss any of the hidden gems that make this book so special.

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ZephyrSong
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Welty is truly a national treasure. Her voice is so unique, humane, and witty, which makes her works stand out.

No matter how successful she achieved, she always maintained a humble demeanor. It seems that everyone who had the opportunity to meet her couldn't help but fall in love with her.

This book provides great insights into writing and the creative process. It offers valuable tips and inspiration for aspiring writers.

By reading it, one can gain a deeper understanding of how Welty crafted her stories and brought her characters to life.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in literature and the art of writing.

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