I'm not entirely certain that this was my absolute favorite book on writing. However, it will likely be recorded in my personal history as the one that made me ponder deeply about aspects that other writing books haven't even broached. Such as the concept of "time" within a novel and how the act of not answering certain questions can, in fact, be a form of answering. Ms. Welty made me reflect on the distinction between journalism and the writing of a novel. She also illuminated for me the significance of place.

All things considered, it's a good book and well worth the time spent reading it.

Based on Welty's recommendation, my current desire is to read A Passage to India. It seems like it would be great stuff. I'm intrigued to explore the world that E.M. Forster has created in that novel and see how it might further expand my understanding of writing and different literary techniques.

I'm looking forward to delving into the story and uncovering the various themes and ideas that it presents. Maybe it will have the same kind of impact on me as the book by Welty did, making me think about new aspects of writing and literature.

The fact is that in embracing the source of pleasure, we have entered another world.

Let's talk about beauty. And beauty has nothing showy, promiscuous, or obvious. On the contrary, it is connected to reticence, to a thousand kinds of stubbornness. It arises, who knows how, from the desire not to conform to any expectation, but rather to act inevitably, as long as one can perceive some human truth, whatever that inevitability requires.

Beauty is not a means, not a way to promote something in the world. It is a result: it is linked to order, to form, to consequence. Beauty is a profound and intangible concept that lies beyond the surface. It is not easily defined or understood, yet it has the power to move us and inspire us. It can be found in the simplest of things, such as a flower or a smile, or in the most complex works of art. Beauty is a reflection of the human spirit and our ability to create and appreciate the world around us.

Whether we are artists, writers, or simply observers of life, we can all strive to discover and celebrate the beauty that exists within and around us.

This little book is truly a delightful and rich source of valuable insights into the realm of creative writing.

Welty's sharp and perceptive comments regarding the abstract elements of fiction writing are not only relevant to the fictional genre but also hold great applicability to nonfiction writing.

The problems of time, place, plot, and various literary crusades are discussed in an elegant prose style, accompanied by an abundance of specific and illustrative examples.

I found great enjoyment in looking up some of the short stories she cites, and it was as if I could hear her voice saying, "See? That's how it's done."

The attention to detail is a particularly excellent point that she focuses on and elaborates. She explains how crucial good details are in making a story come alive, feel real, and be believable to the readers.

Overall, this book offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in the art of writing.

Her thoughts are truly profound, intricate, and thought-provoking. They are entirely her own, a unique blend of experiences, insights, and perspectives.

She has crafted a remarkable book that offers a free, independent, and highly meaningful explication. It is a work that invites readers to explore new ideas, challenge their preconceptions, and engage in a deep and enriching intellectual journey.

The book is a testament to her creativity and her ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in expanding their understanding of the world and themselves.

Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply a curious reader, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to think differently about the world around you.

We can never stop trying to make feelings felt. This is a profound truth that lies at the heart of our human experience. Our emotions are what make us truly alive, and we are constantly seeking ways to express and share them with others.

For we have to remember what the novel is. Made by the imagination for the imagination, it is an illusion come full circle. The novel has the power to transport us to different worlds, to introduce us to new characters, and to make us feel emotions that we may never have felt before. It is a medium that allows us to explore the depths of our own souls and to connect with the souls of others.

Whether we are reading a classic novel or a modern bestseller, we are engaging in a journey of the imagination. We are allowing ourselves to be swept away by the story, to become invested in the lives of the characters, and to experience the full range of human emotions. In this way, the novel becomes a powerful tool for making feelings felt, for bridging the gap between our inner worlds and the outer world around us.

After reading The Dutch House by Ann Patchett,

I was filled with a desire to reread this precious book about writing fiction by Eudora Welty. I had picked it up at her home in Jackson, MS during my visit there this past spring.

Patchett was a huge admirer of Eudora. You can check out her Parnassus blog about the Collected Stories of Eudora Welty from 3/12/2019.

I couldn't help but wonder what lessons she had learned from Eudora and applied to her own exquisitely crafted writing.

There were indeed many valuable lessons. The applicable quotes are simply too numerous to list here. However, if you are a fiction writer or any kind of writer for that matter, you will surely be inspired by this book.

So, go ahead and enjoy the wonderful insights and wisdom it has to offer!

Books:

The Anthologist by Nicholson Baker offers a unique perspective. It's a lecture on poetry hidden within the story of how doubt impacts creativity and creative block affects relationships. As a reader, there are moments when you might want to physically shake the character Paul Chowder to wake him up. But if you've ever done any writing, you know it's not that simple. We have to find our own way out of those creative holes. This story is about a poet's struggle to write the introduction to an anthology of rhyming poetry, but it's so much more. It's a deep exploration of creativity that really spoke to me.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a surprisingly enchanting love story. The careful selection of details and use of figurative language create a beautifully embellished world that you almost wish you could live in. Morgenstern's portrayal of love really touched this softie.

The Tenth of December by George Saunders is a masterpiece. Every word is carefully chosen to first tickle you and then hit you hard with the substance. He doesn't shy away from any morally complex issues.

The Flame Alphabet by Ben Marcus is a disturbing read. If it were a film, it would give me nightmares for days. It's depressingly well-written and sometimes gets a little too close to the truth to bear. I collected many sentences because of their individual greatness.

Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson is a unique story. The direct narration anchors a story that is so watery and internal that it almost seems unreal. But it's actually very real in terms of emotion and character. It set up my expectations but surprised me in the end. It explores themes of nonconformity and convention with great insight, making me nod in agreement. The writing style is so particular that I believe it comes straight from the heart. It's a slow read at the beginning, but it builds momentum and meaning in the end.

Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith has an excellent mise-en-scene. It's a work of crime fiction in the style of an old detective film or a pulp novel. Although the mystery could have been more tightly concealed, I loved the main character Strike and his assistant, and how the novel unfolds visually. I can't wait to read the second one!

Quiet by Susan Cain is a book I wish I had read earlier. It has so much that affirms my experience as an introvert and the parent of an introvert. What I like most about it is that it seems mostly interested in highlighting the difficulties in human relationships due to personality differences and taking a step towards self-acceptance and understanding of others. As an educator, it makes me feel more confident in my efforts towards personality inclusiveness in the classroom because I agree with Cain's assessment: "The purpose of school should be to prepare kids for the rest of their lives, but too often what kids need to be prepared for is surviving the school day itself."

On Writing by Eudora Welty was a bit of a struggle for me at times, probably due to my own limitations as a reader. There were moments when I just didn't understand and when the texts used to illustrate the points were unfamiliar. But there were also these wonderful moments of connection that kept me engaged in this exploration of the art of fiction and the role of the writer. Some of the quotes that really stood out to me were: "No two stories ever go the same way...", "Place, to the writer at work, is seen in a frame...", "Making reality is art's responsibility", "And if life ever became not worth writing fiction about...", and "Fictional time may be more congenial to us than clock time...".

I really want to download this book.

However, I have no idea how to download it.

It's quite frustrating because I'm eager to start reading it.

I wonder if you could offer me some guidance or assistance.

Maybe you know the proper steps or the right platforms to use for downloading this particular book.

Any help from you would be greatly appreciated.

I'm looking forward to your response so that I can finally get my hands on this book and enjoy the reading experience.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and support.

Eudora Welty's remarkable talent shines through in her book ON WRITING.

Each chapter is a captivating essay that delves into a wide range of topics related to the art of writing fiction. Published in 2002, this book is an excerpt from THE EYE OF THE STORY, which was originally released in 1977.

The various chapters explore numerous themes, including (but not limited to) short stories, the writing process, analysis, and the significance of place, words, and time in fiction.

Eudora Welty's ability to dissect these complex concepts and present them in a highly teachable way is truly brilliant. This makes the book an invaluable resource for both aspiring writers and established authors.

The following are some of my favorite quotes from ON WRITING:

"Indifference would indeed be corrupting to the fiction writer, indifference to any part of man's plight. Passion is the chief ingredient of good fiction. It flames right out of sympathy for the human condition and goes into all great writing."

"Writing in the heat of passion can be done with extremely good temper."

"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."

"Out of love you can write with straight fury."

"Every writer, like everybody else, thinks he's living through the crisis of the ages."

"Remembering is so basic and vital a part of staying alive that it takes on the strength of an instinct of survival, and acquires the power of an art."

Human life is fiction's only theme. This statement holds a profound truth. Fiction has the power to explore the depths of human experiences, emotions, and relationships. It delves into the joys and sorrows, the dreams and fears, that are an inherent part of our existence. Through fictional characters and their stories, we gain insights into the human condition. We witness their struggles, their growth, and their ability to overcome obstacles. Fiction allows us to step into the shoes of others and understand their perspectives. It broadens our horizons and makes us more empathetic. Whether it is a classic novel, a modern thriller, or a science fiction adventure, all fictional works revolve around the central theme of human life. They capture the essence of what it means to be human and offer us a mirror through which we can reflect on our own lives.

Besides some excellent craft, the talk about writing this book was adamant about the reading aspect. As a writer, there is an alchemic, at times, relationship to the reader. Read her quotes here in GR's, they're great.

The times also show through. The South is prominent, and her ubiquitous use of the male pronoun when making sweeping generalities of humanity and/or the writer "himself" is quite noticeable. This reflects the cultural and social context of the era in which the book was written. It may also hint at the author's own perspective or the conventions that were prevalent at that time.

Understanding these aspects can provide deeper insights into the book and its author. It allows readers to appreciate the work not only for its literary merit but also for the historical and cultural backdrop against which it was created.

Overall, the combination of excellent craft and the exploration of the reading aspect, along with the influence of the times, makes this book a fascinating read.

My go-to book about writing is truly a gem.

It has several chapters that offer valuable insights and practical advice.

However, the chapter on place stood out for me.

As a writer, I often struggle with creating vivid and believable settings.

This chapter provided me with a new perspective and a set of tools to enhance my descriptions of place.

The author's explanations were clear and easy to understand, and the examples given were both inspiring and thought-provoking.

After reading this chapter, I felt more confident in my ability to bring my stories to life through the power of place.

I would highly recommend this book to any writer, whether you are a beginner or an experienced author.

It is sure to become a valuable addition to your writing library.