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A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction

A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction

by Elizabeth McCracken

Ecco ·2025 ·208 pages
New Release
Near the Top
Near the Top
I Index
52/99
Maybe Someday

37/99

Critics' Rating Index

Near the Top

66/99

Readers' Rating Index

n/a

Scholars' Citation Index

51/99

Volume of Reviews

62/99

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About This Book

From bestselling and award-winning author and professor Elizabeth McCracken comes an irresistible look at the art of writing. Writing can feel like an endless series of decisions. How does one face the blank page? Move a character around a room? Deal with time? Undertake revision? The good and bad news is that in fiction writing, there are no definitive answers to such writers must come up with their own. Elizabeth McCracken, author of bestselling novels, National Book Award long-listed story collections, and a highly praised memoir, has been teaching for more than thirty-five years, guiding her many students through their own answers. In A Long Game, she shares insights gleaned along the way, offering practical tips and incisive thoughts about her own work as an artist. "Writing is a long game," she notes. "What matters is that you learn to get work done in the way that is possible for you, through consistency or panic. Through self-recrimination or every life needs both." As much a book about the life of a working artist as it is a guide to thinking about fiction, A Long Game is a revelatory and indispensable resource for any writer.


Reviews

"A witty, generous guide."

Kirkus Read review ↗ Near the Top

"Writers who feel stuck will be especially energized by McCracken's eclectic insights."

Publishers Weekly Read review ↗ Near the Top

"A charming book that will have great appeal not only for aspiring writers but for all lovers of fiction and anyone interested in the complicated art of being human."

Jennifer Alexander· Library Journal Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"McCracken's is the naughty older sister view of writing."

Toby Litt· The Guardian Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"Where A Long Game falls short in giving clear structure to a writing practice, it says more about creative work in general."

Caroline Sydney· The Wall Street Journal Maybe Someday

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