"Creative Writing's Dirty Little Secret: A Guide to Really Writing a Novel"
Elizabeth McCracken's "A Long Game" is a refreshingly honest take on the craft of novel-writing. In a genre dominated by formulaic writing guides and motivational manuals, McCracken shatters expectations with her unapologetic, often provocative approach.
Instead of offering saccharine advice or tired cliches like "show, don't tell" or "write what you know," McCracken takes aim at the more insidious forces that can stifle creativity. Her book is less about imparting wisdom and more about ripping away the layers of pretension that often accompany serious writing.
With unflinching candor, McCracken tackles some of the most hackneyed pieces of creative writing workshop advice, including the notorious "write every day" mantra. Instead of advocating for a rigid daily writing routine, she reveals her own warped motivation – harnessing the power of self-loathing to drive her creative process.
This is not the sort of book that will appeal to everyone. McCracken's approach is often brash and irreverent, veering into territory that may leave some readers feeling uneasy or even offended. However, for those who have been suffocated by overly prescriptive writing guides or workshop feedback, her book offers a much-needed antidote.
In the hands of experienced writers and creatives, McCracken's ideas can be a liberating force, encouraging them to abandon the stifling conventions that often accompany serious writing. Her unflinching honesty is both disarming and deeply refreshing – a reminder that the best writing often arises from a willingness to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom.
Ultimately, "A Long Game" is not about pedagogy or craft advice; it's about embracing the messy, unpredictable nature of creative expression. If you're tired of being told what to do with your writing or how to write your novel, McCracken's book might just be the right prescription for a healthy dose of creative dissent.
Elizabeth McCracken's "A Long Game" is a refreshingly honest take on the craft of novel-writing. In a genre dominated by formulaic writing guides and motivational manuals, McCracken shatters expectations with her unapologetic, often provocative approach.
Instead of offering saccharine advice or tired cliches like "show, don't tell" or "write what you know," McCracken takes aim at the more insidious forces that can stifle creativity. Her book is less about imparting wisdom and more about ripping away the layers of pretension that often accompany serious writing.
With unflinching candor, McCracken tackles some of the most hackneyed pieces of creative writing workshop advice, including the notorious "write every day" mantra. Instead of advocating for a rigid daily writing routine, she reveals her own warped motivation – harnessing the power of self-loathing to drive her creative process.
This is not the sort of book that will appeal to everyone. McCracken's approach is often brash and irreverent, veering into territory that may leave some readers feeling uneasy or even offended. However, for those who have been suffocated by overly prescriptive writing guides or workshop feedback, her book offers a much-needed antidote.
In the hands of experienced writers and creatives, McCracken's ideas can be a liberating force, encouraging them to abandon the stifling conventions that often accompany serious writing. Her unflinching honesty is both disarming and deeply refreshing – a reminder that the best writing often arises from a willingness to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom.
Ultimately, "A Long Game" is not about pedagogy or craft advice; it's about embracing the messy, unpredictable nature of creative expression. If you're tired of being told what to do with your writing or how to write your novel, McCracken's book might just be the right prescription for a healthy dose of creative dissent.
... thinking it's okay to trash all those "overly prescriptive" writing guides and workshop feedback? Like, what if some people actually need that guidance to get their work done? And harnessing self-loathing as motivation? That's just a bunch of BS 
. I mean, who hasn't had days where they just want to throw in the towel on their writing? But do you really think that's healthy or productive? 
what do u guys think about this new book tho?
she calls out all that sappy workshop advice and gets straight to the point 
about how we can actually write without being held back by our own fears and self doubt 
i think this is exactly what us writers need - someone to tell us it's okay to be messy and not have it all figured out 
...
. No more sugarcoated advice or feel-good tips - she's serving up the real deal, even if it means ruffling some feathers 
. It's refreshing to see someone speak truth to power and challenge the status quo in the writing world 
. And let's be real, who hasn't felt like a total mess when trying to create something new? 
McCracken's honesty is not only liberating but also kind of beautiful 
. I'm definitely adding this book to my reading list ASAP 
. Like, who actually believes that? And don't even get me started on the whole 'show, don't tell' thing... isn't that just a fancy way of saying "just write what feels right"? 
she's all about being honest & raw with her writing process, no fluff or sugarcoating 
i mean who needs that kinda advice anyway? the "write every day" thing is just a myth, right? 
mccracken's approach is all about embracing the uncertainty & messiness of creativity 
and i am HERE. FOR. IT 
Self-loathing 
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But seriously, McCracken's approach is like a wake-up call - we need more honest conversations about the writing process and less prescriptive advice 
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. So yeah, McCracken's book might be uncomfortable at times, but trust me, it's necessary 
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. So if you're tired of being told what to do with your writing, or just want some real talk about the craft, then this might be the book for you 
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. Like, who really writes every day? Are we even capable of producing good work under pressure or are we just making it up as we go along? I love how she's not afraid to say that her motivation comes from self-loathing – because let's be real, thats where the best stuff comes from 
.