Writing Creative Nonfiction: Instruction and Insights from Teachers of the Associated Writing Programs

Poet Forché (The Country Between Us) and novelist Gerard (Writing a Book That Makes a Difference) have brought together more than 30 writers and teachers affiliated with the Associated Writing Programs to introduce creative nonfiction as a new literary form. In this new form, which differs in style as well as technique from other nonfiction genres such as journalism, the critical essay, and academic biography, the crucial elements of storytelling are just as important as the accuracy of the text. Each of the contributors, who include Annie Dillard, Grace Paley, Lee Gutkind, and Alex Kotlowitz, presents an aspect of the craft by using examples from his or her own work. Most essays conclude with a few exercises designed to jumpstart the creative process. Although the style of each essay differs, and the writing is somewhat uneven from chapter to chapter, this is a wonderful book for the price. Highly recommend for academic libraries with writing programs and public libraries with a literary clientele. [Writer's Digest Book Club main selection.] Denise S. Sticha, Murrysville Community Lib., PA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.