Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 70 votes)
5 stars
26(37%)
4 stars
28(40%)
3 stars
16(23%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
70 reviews
July 15,2025
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I truly desired to have a much greater liking for this book than I actually did. Moreover, in general, I have a longing to have a deeper appreciation for Eudora Welty's stories and her writing style. Consequently, perhaps I went a bit too far when I made the decision to read both her "On Writing" and a compilation of her short stories simultaneously.

I assume that my principal issue with this book is that Welty is an extremely intuitive writer. She doesn't overly concern herself with the more detailed and practical aspects of writing. This implies that after reading this book, I didn't obtain a checklist of methods to enhance my writing or reasons as to why I prefer one author's writing over another's. Nevertheless, Welty herself is enormously inspiring. And not everything that one learns can or ought to be neatly written down on a checklist. I believe that I would return and read this book again, perhaps with more patience, and also not while simultaneously reading other works of Welty's.

This time, I would approach it with a more open and focused mind, hoping to gain a better understanding and a more profound connection with her unique perspective on writing.
July 15,2025
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Eudora Welty has once again crafted a wonderfully written book.

Her perspectives within the text are always impeccably well thought out. She presents them in a manner that is not only well stated but also truly fascinating to read.

One can't help but be drawn into the world she creates with her words. The way she weaves her ideas together and expresses them makes the reading experience a truly enjoyable one.

Each page seems to hold a new gem of thought, a unique perspective that makes the reader look at things in a different light. It is no wonder that Eudora Welty is such a highly regarded author, as her ability to write in such a captivating and thought-provoking way is truly remarkable.

Her books are a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and wants to explore new and interesting ideas.
July 15,2025
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I found her essays on time and place in fiction especially helpful.

Her insights into how time and place are portrayed in fictional works provided me with a deeper understanding of these crucial elements.

The way she analyzed different literary examples made it easier for me to recognize the significance of time and place in creating a vivid and engaging fictional world.

Whether it was the setting of a historical period or a specific geographical location, her essays showed how these details can shape the characters, plot, and overall atmosphere of a story.

I will definitely refer back to her essays when I am reading or writing fiction in the future, as they have become an invaluable resource for me.

July 15,2025
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She is one of my favorite authors.

In this little book, which is based on some of her lectures, she tells us a great deal about writing.

Her words are like precious pearls, shining with wisdom and inspiration.

She shares her own experiences and insights, guiding us through the complex world of writing.

Whether it's about finding the right topic, developing a plot, or creating vivid characters, she has valuable advice to offer.

Reading her book is like having a private conversation with a master writer.

She makes writing seem less intimidating and more accessible to everyone.

Thanks to her, I have learned many useful tips and tricks that have improved my own writing skills.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in writing or wants to learn more about the craft.

It is truly a gem that will inspire and delight readers of all levels.

July 15,2025
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I read this book for a course that I'm currently taking.

I'm really not sure why it's still being used as there are numerous other "on writing" books out there.

At the time of writing, Welty was an old Southern lady. This implies that a significant portion of her comments are rather sexist.

She strongly emphasizes that people should stay in their own lane and conform to stereotypes.

In fact, there are perhaps only five sentences in the entire book that are actually worth reading.

All things considered, it's been a pretty big disappointment.

I had hoped to gain more valuable insights and practical advice on writing from this book, but unfortunately, it failed to meet my expectations.

I would have preferred a more modern and inclusive approach to writing, one that doesn't perpetuate outdated and discriminatory views.

Maybe I'll have to look for other resources to enhance my understanding and skills in writing.

July 15,2025
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Rambling, wordy, and at times flawed, this piece of writing may seem a bit of a mess at first glance.

However, upon closer inspection, one can discover its hidden gems.

Occasionally, it shines with moments of brilliance that can take your breath away.

The warmth it exudes is palpable, like a gentle embrace on a cold day.

It has the power to inspire, to ignite the spark within you and make you believe in the impossible.

And above all, it is human, filled with the imperfections and emotions that make us who we are.

Despite its flaws, it has a charm and authenticity that cannot be denied.

It is a testament to the power of words, even when they are not perfectly polished.

So, don't be too quick to dismiss it.

Take the time to read between the lines, and you may just find something truly special.

July 15,2025
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This is one of the better craft books that I have had the pleasure of reading. The content within it has some valuable insights and ideas. However, there is one aspect that detracts from its overall rating. The author spends a significant amount of time sounding heady and esoteric, which often leaves the reader longing for more concrete help and practical examples. If only she had focused a bit more on providing clear and actionable advice, this book would have easily earned a five-star rating. As it stands, it is a good book with the potential to be truly great. With a touch more clarity and a greater emphasis on practicality, it could have been a five-star craft book that readers would recommend to others without hesitation.

July 15,2025
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This small book is truly remarkable!

It is extremely rich and dense with content.

The illustrations are lovely and add a touch of charm to the overall reading experience.

However, it is important to note that this book is more focused on the art of writing novels rather than general writing.

It delves deep into the techniques and strategies specific to creating engaging and captivating fictional stories.

From character development to plot construction, it offers valuable insights and practical tips for aspiring novelists.

Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced writer seeking to refine your skills, this book has something to offer.

It is a must-read for anyone with a passion for writing novels.

Overall, this small but mighty book is a great resource for those interested in the world of fiction writing.
July 15,2025
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I was truly looking forward to delving into this book. I had recently read several of her novels and her memoir, ONE WRITER'S BEGINNNINGS, and had thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them.

However, to my surprise, I found this particular book somewhat of a struggle to get through, despite its relatively short length.

This book is a compilation of seven of her essays on fiction writing. Although I am an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction works, and have even written a non-fiction book myself, I couldn't help but feel that this book was overly focused on the fiction writer rather than the reader.

Several of the essays had a more expansive feel to them, and I did enjoy those parts. But overall, by the end of the book, I was left with a sense of disappointment.

Perhaps my expectations were simply too high, given my previous positive experiences with her other works. Nevertheless, I can't help but feel that this book didn't quite live up to my initial anticipation.
July 15,2025
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This is a truly great book. It offers a wealth of valuable information and insights that can be beneficial to a wide range of readers.

However, I couldn't help but think that it would have been even more helpful to me if I were writing fiction instead of non-fiction. The concepts and techniques presented in the book seem to be more tailored towards the world of fiction writing.

Nonetheless, I was still able to glean some useful tips and ideas that I can apply to my non-fiction work. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, which makes the book a pleasure to read.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their writing skills, regardless of whether they write fiction or non-fiction. It's a must-read for any aspiring writer.
July 15,2025
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I didn't find this book to be extremely helpful when it comes to tips on writing.

A couple of the essays discuss the place of criticism and morality in fiction, which is rather uninteresting.

When Welty does address the "how to" aspect, she spends a significant amount of time emphasizing that fiction stems from the personal world and vision of the writer, making it challenging to teach.

However, her language in describing this and the mystery inherent in the act of writing is truly delightful to read.

Moreover, she occasionally offers some real gems. For instance, when she talks about time in fiction, she states, "[Time] is not only the story's 'then--and then,' it may also be a 'but' or a 'nevertheless'; and it is always a 'thus' and a 'therefore.'"

This unique perspective on time adds depth and nuance to the understanding of fiction writing.

Overall, while the book may not be a comprehensive guide to writing, it does have its moments of inspiration and valuable insights.
July 15,2025
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The statement "Not very practical. Not an easy read." seems rather concise and perhaps a bit lacking in detail. Let's expand on this.


Perhaps what is being described here is a particular book or piece of literature. It might be a theoretical work that presents complex ideas and concepts, making it not very practical for immediate application in daily life.


Moreover, the language used in it could be dense and difficult to understand, resulting in it not being an easy read. This could require the reader to invest a significant amount of time and effort to fully grasp the content.


However, it's important to note that just because something is not practical or easy to read doesn't mean it has no value. It could offer unique insights and perspectives that can expand our knowledge and understanding in a particular field.


In conclusion, while the description "Not very practical. Not an easy read." may seem negative at first glance, it's essential to consider the context and potential benefits that such a work might offer.
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