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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Some of this was simply too rich for my personal taste.

"Must the Novelist Crusade?" This particular piece seemed to have missed the mark entirely.

However, Welty truly shines when she is discussing time and place.

She has this remarkable ability to resurrect Faulkner in my mind, making me vividly aware of his deep-seated obsession with time and the past that lingers and is never truly past.

In this regard, she is absolutely splendid.

Her words paint a vivid picture, transporting the reader to those specific moments and locations, allowing us to experience the essence of Faulkner's work through her unique perspective.

It is as if she has the power to breathe new life into the old, making it all feel fresh and relevant once again.

Overall, while some aspects may not have appealed to me, Welty's talent for capturing the essence of time and place is truly a remarkable gift.

Critica e scrittura, compito sociale dello scrittore, ruolo del luogo e del tempo nella narrativa - these are some of the themes addressed by Eudora Welty in the seven interventions collected in this concise booklet. At the center is the mystery of realism, a genre that mimics reality with manifestly unreal techniques to convey spiritual and emotional contents. And it is precisely on this enormous contradiction that the analytical acumen of the Mississippi writer focuses. Thanks to a colloquial register and a lively and unpretentious style, she shares an articulated succession of illuminating and suggestive observations.

Deeply in love with Faulkner and his South, the author sets aside the reader's point of view, consciously and proudly subjective, with the cordiality of a friend from whom it is hard to part at the end of the chat.

Recommended for those who are interested in understanding something more about the mechanisms underlying literature.

Lovely and tiny, this collection of essays delves into various aspects of writing. It emerges from Welty's thoughtful and wise mind, presented with an egalitarian voice. She commences the first essay with the charming statement: "Looking at short stories as readers and writers together should be a companionable thing." This very voice is what gives her fiction its unique charm. Throughout the book, she references classic works such as The Sound and the Fury and Katherine Anne Porter's short stories. By doing so, she enriches the discussion and provides valuable insights into the art of writing. Her exploration of different literary elements and techniques offers readers a deeper understanding of the craft. Whether you are a budding writer or a passionate reader, this collection of essays is sure to delight and inspire.

In my pursuit to peruse all the books on writing penned by writers, I procured this particular one from the library. Prior to delving into it, I was unacquainted with Eudora Welty, but I am truly glad that I unearthed her works. The book is a compilation of essays centered around writing fiction.

I meticulously jotted down 14 pages of notes, with the majority being lengthy quotes that I am certain to revisit numerous times for inspiration. Here is an instance:

\\"And so finally I think we need to write with love. Not in self-defense, not in hate, not in the mood of instruction, not in rebuttal, in any kind of militance, or in apology, but with love. Not in exorcisement, either, for this is to make the reader bear a thing for you.

\\"Neither do I speak of writing forgivingly; out of love you can write with great fury. It is the source of the understanding I speak of: it's this that determines its nature and its reach.\\"

I grappled to fathom many segments of Welty's writing, especially when she alluded to works that I had not yet read. Some paragraphs seemed as if I was deciphering a foreign tongue. The essays spanned from 1949 to 1974, and I sensed that they became more comprehensible as she eased some of the formality in the language of her earlier essays.

This diminutive book is truly a precious gem. I recorded the titles and authors she referenced to append to my Want to Read list and the books to seek out when frequenting used bookstores. Welty's counsel for writers is not a mere how-to manual, but rather a more exalted vision, description, and philosophy of fiction as an art form to convey truth and the human condition.