Eudora Welty's On Writing remains highly relevant, offering candid and perceptive evaluations of literature and the writing process for contemporary writers and readers alike.

This collection consists of seven essays penned by Welty between 1949 and 1974, delving into diverse aspects of fiction in both short stories and novels. Among the many pearls of wisdom, she explores the relationships between writers and critics, readers and writers, and emphasizes the significance of words, place, and time in a story.

Two essays that particularly resonate with me are "Place in Fiction" and "Words in Fiction." As I read, I often jot down favorite lines. However, with these two essays, I found myself wanting to jot down every single line!

Here are a few of my favorite quotes: "The only way a writer can satisfy his own curiosity is to write it." (4) "Art, though, is never the voice of a country; it is an even more precious thing, the voice of the individual, doing its best to speak, not comfort of any sort, indeed, but truth. And the art that speaks it most unmistakably, most directly, most variously, most fully, is fiction; in particular, the novel." (40) "Making reality real is art's responsibility." (53)

I highly recommend this little book to writers, as well as fans of literature and Eudora Welty. It offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the world of writing and storytelling.

Brilliant!

This description is truly apt. It implies a remarkable quality that shines brightly. Something that is short and pithy has the power to convey a great deal of meaning in a concise manner. It is like a precious gem that is small in size but rich in value. For writers, this kind of expression is highly desirable. It allows them to communicate their ideas effectively and efficiently, without wasting words. A short and pithy sentence or phrase can have a lasting impact on the reader, leaving a memorable impression. It requires skill and artistry to create such brilliant writing. Writers must carefully choose their words, arrange them in a meaningful way, and convey their intended message with clarity and precision. When they succeed in doing so, they produce writing that is not only intelligent but also engaging and captivating.

I found myself really having to concentrate.

I am out of practice of reading at the density level of this text. It seems that my reading skills have become a bit rusty when it comes to dealing with such complex and detailed content.

I am not sure I agree with everything she says within these pages. There are certain points that I might question or have a different perspective on. However, at this moment, I am not of the mind to argue why. Maybe it's because I want to first fully understand her point of view before engaging in a debate. Or perhaps I simply don't have the energy or the inclination to get into an argument.

Regardless of my stance on her statements, I am still trying to absorb as much as I can from this text. I know that by challenging myself to read at this level, I can improve my comprehension and critical thinking skills. So, I will continue to focus and do my best to make sense of what she has written.

What a remarkable little book!

It is truly astonishing how much Eudora Welty managed to pack into this concise volume. Her insights and observations on the relationship between place and the writer are particularly profound and thought-provoking to me. She delves into a rich tapestry of classic literature, skillfully weaving in examples and references to help us better understand the importance of digging deep, not only in our reading but also in our writing. This book should rightfully find a place on every writer's shelf, as it offers valuable lessons and inspiration. However, it is not just for writers; serious readers would also do well to pick up this gem. It has the power to enhance our appreciation of literature and encourage us to look at the world around us with a more discerning eye.

This was the longest little book I've ever read.

It should actually be called "On Literary Criticism".

Ms. Welty might be an outstanding writer of fiction, yet this particular work was so extremely dry that I couldn't manage to get through even 10 pages without having to refill my water glass.

The problem is that if you haven't read all the works of every great author from the early 20th century, then you simply won't be able to understand her examples, and that was exactly the case for me.

I bought this book on a whim, and now it will surely be among the next pile of books that I donate to the local library.

It's a pity really, as I had hoped for something more engaging and thought-provoking from such a renowned author. But alas, this one just didn't do it for me.

DNF.

I'm quite certain that there is some valuable information within this text. However, it sort of defeats the purpose when every single story that she employs as an example is something that I have never heard of before. Moreover, I simply can't be bothered to look them up.

It's rather frustrating because in order to truly understand and gain from the content, one would need to have some knowledge or at least be willing to research these unfamiliar examples. But when faced with so many that are completely new and the effort required to look them up seems overwhelming, it makes it difficult to fully engage with the material.

Perhaps if the author had chosen more well-known or common examples, it would have been easier for the reader to follow and appreciate the points being made. As it stands, it feels like a bit of a missed opportunity to convey the valuable info effectively.

Scholarly essays on diverse aspects of the writing craft offer valuable insights.

Ms. Welty delves into the profound influence of factors such as Time and Place on a story.

In the captivating chapter titled "Is Phoenix Jackson's Grandson Really Dead?", she reveals the origin of her inspiration.

It was on a wintry day when she witnessed an old woman walking alone. This simple yet powerful image sparked the idea for her story.

By sharing such personal anecdotes and her in-depth analysis, Ms. Welty enriches our understanding of the writing process.

Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of observing the world around us and how even the most ordinary moments can give birth to extraordinary stories.

These essays not only provide practical guidance for aspiring writers but also offer a fascinating exploration of the creative mind.

They invite us to reflect on the role of various elements in shaping a narrative and inspire us to look for inspiration in the simplest of things.

Art, though, is never merely the voice of a country. It is an even more precious entity, the voice of the individual, striving its utmost to speak, not of any sort of comfort, indeed, but of truth. And the art form that articulates it most unmistakably, most directly, most variously, and most fully is fiction; specifically, the novel.

This is sensitive and approachable advice from one of America's premier fiction writers. We should pay heed, especially when Welty tells us here how to write about place and time. She is (was) brimming with wisdom and kindness.

“Naturally, it is the very essence of life, whether one pens a word of fiction or not, to venture out and observe what there is to be seen in the world. For an artist to be reluctant to move, either mentally, spiritually, or physically, beyond the familiar is an indication that spiritual timidity, poverty, or decay has befallen him; for what is familiar will then have transformed into all that is tyrannical.”

To be completely honest, this book truly defeated me. It was like a vivid and unwelcome flashback to all the aspects of high school and college English that I utterly loathed. The words on the pages seemed to taunt me, bringing back memories of difficult grammar rules, endless essays to write, and the stress of trying to analyze complex literary works. I found myself struggling to get through each chapter, feeling a sense of frustration and inadequacy. It was as if I was back in those classrooms, sitting at my desk, dreading the next assignment. This book has reminded me of all the reasons why I never really enjoyed English during my school days, and it has left me with a rather sour taste in my mouth.

This is truly a really beautiful little book.

It contains some rather weighty literary criticism content. Moreover, it delves more deeply into the realm of fiction writing compared to other types of writing.

Despite its relatively small size, it manages to pack in a wealth of valuable insights and ideas. I found myself thoroughly enjoying it from start to finish.

Eudora Welty was an extremely brilliant writer, and this book is a testament to her literary prowess.

Her words flow effortlessly, and her analysis of the craft of fiction writing is both incisive and engaging.

Whether you are an aspiring writer or simply a lover of literature, this little book is well worth your time and attention.

It will surely leave you with a greater appreciation for the art of fiction and a newfound admiration for the talent of Eudora Welty.

Wafty, at times poignant. Dated.

These words seem to capture a certain essence that is both ephemeral and deeply felt. The term "wafty" evokes a sense of something light and airy, perhaps a gentle breeze carrying a hint of fragrance or a memory that is just out of reach. It is a quality that can be both beautiful and elusive, like a wisp of smoke that vanishes in an instant.

"At times poignant" adds another layer to this description. It implies that there are moments when this wafty quality becomes sharp and intense, tugging at the heartstrings and eliciting a strong emotional response. It could be a song that brings back memories of a lost love, or a scene from a movie that touches us in a profound way.

The word "dated" suggests that there is something old-fashioned or out of date about this wafty and poignant quality. It may belong to a bygone era, a time when things were simpler and more innocent. But perhaps it is precisely this sense of nostalgia that makes it so appealing, as it allows us to reconnect with a part of ourselves that we may have long forgotten.

Overall, these three words paint a vivid picture of a certain kind of experience or emotion that is both fleeting and deeply meaningful. They remind us that there are things in life that are beyond our grasp, but that still have the power to touch us and leave a lasting impression.

It is truly remarkable writing that has the power to convey to you the things you already possess within your knowledge, yet until you encounter it in written form, you yourself are at a loss as to how to express them.

This book serves as both an encomium and an elegy for the living art of writing. It is a treasure trove that shares the most beautiful insights regarding place, time, feeling, and the way in which they all come together within the writer.

These elements converge to produce that powerful impulse which gives birth to and nourishes stories. It delves deep into the essence of what it means to be a writer and how the various aspects of our existence intertwine to create the magic of written words.

By reading this book, one gains a newfound appreciation for the art of writing and the profound impact it can have on our understanding of the world and ourselves.