Conversations on Writing

Ursula K. Le Guin

138 pages

English language

Published Nov. 7, 2018

ISBN:
978-1-941040-99-7
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OCLC Number:
1005695158

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In a series of interviews with David Naimon, Le Guin discusses craft, aesthetics, and philosophy in her fiction, poetry, and nonfiction works. The discussions provide ample advice and guidance for writers of every level, but also give Le Guin a chance to sound off on some of her favorite subjects: the genre wars, the patriarchy, the natural world, and what, in her opinion, makes for great writing. With excerpts from her own books and those that she looked to for inspiration, this volume is a treat for Le Guin's longtime readers, a perfect introduction for those first approaching her writing, and a tribute to her incredible life and work.

1 edition

highly recommended for anyone interested in writing, poetry, sci-fi, or literature that's really sci-fi but they're unwilling to admit it

No rating

I wouldn't expect anything less, but this set of interviews is fascinating, even the middle section on poetry, which I'm not proud to say has never grabbed me except for a bit of T.S.Eliot. But this provides new impetus to broaden my horizons, as does the book throughout, citing a lot of authors (particularly overlooked women writers) and even LeGuin's own works that I didn't know of. It's a very intellectual discussion but also a lot of fun, she has no shortage of opinions and the book ends with some friendly and not so friendly but highly entertaining barbs directed to those who regard scifi as tap water to literary perrier.

Subjects

  • Literature
  • Fantasy fiction
  • Interviews
  • American Authors
  • Science fiction
  • Civilization
  • American Women authors
  • Authorship
  • Biography

Places

  • United States