The Faith of a Writer: Life, Craft, Art

Bought a heavily used version, but was in near perfect condition

This book is about the art of writing. Oates tells us that 'writing is not a race ... the satisfaction is in the effort.' She presents what is important to the narrative craft and so much here is like a good meal. She writes a whole chapter here on failure: are artists (writers) secretly in love with failure? I especially liked her examples on how to read as a writer, and, her thoughts on the destructive self-criticism that so many writers struggle with. If you are a writer who desires to understand more about yourself, this is a book that will open the windows to understand why you write.

This amazing, awesome little book was totally NOT what I was expecting. Like a previous writer said, it was more of a memoir, but a memoir of her writing history, her early inspiration (Edgar Allen Poe/Lewis Carroll) and her early schooling.You could have knocked me over with a feather when I discovered she read and has been influenced Poe. I won't give away why he left such an impression on her at such an early age (eight!), but suffice it to say, it was enlightening and made me think about the books that formed my early thinking. (Besides the comic books I loved!)If you're a fan/reader of Oates or a writer or wannabe writer, then you will definitely be encouraged and challenged by this tiny tome. It's an unexpected treasure that I highly recommend.

It's a good book for young aspiring writers. It's also a kind of literary guide to particularly American writers as Oates uses classical and well-known writers as examples. Sometimes it gets a bit too brief and too often. In sentence after sentence she names dozens of writers so it becomes a sort of namedropping as it's only occasionally that she expands on their writing to illustrate a particular issue.

I'm finding it wonderful and so helpful. I have not finished it yet because I read it on my iPhone when I'm waiting - in line, or for appointments. If I had it to do over again I'd buy a paper copy.

It's like taking a course with JCO! So many insights, ideas, commentaries on the great writers of our time. I love it and hope it will help me refine my own work.

JCO offers unique insights into the creative process and her own personal love affair (with all the attendant feelings) with writing. She also dishes sympathetically about other noteworthy authors.

As a widely-published, but largely self-taught writer, I collect and study books on the craft. My library is fairly extensive. I loved this book and was more than surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It is one I will enjoy reading again and again.

I really enjoyed reading We Were The Mulvaney's and when I heard that JCO had written this book I wanted to read it. As expected the book is insightful, thoughtful and full of advice. I have added more of her books to my TBR list.

Hard going at times but persevere and you will find some fascinating insights into the world of the writer and writing.

not damaged arrived quickly

Quick devilry. Great book!

An interesting read - good for creative writing students and aspiring writers.