The Kite and the String

How to Write with Spontaneity and Control--and Live to Tell the Tale

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Writing & Publishing, Composition & Creative Writing, Biography & Memoir, Literary
Cover of the book The Kite and the String by Alice Mattison, Penguin Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alice Mattison ISBN: 9780698189911
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group Publication: August 16, 2016
Imprint: Penguin Books Language: English
Author: Alice Mattison
ISBN: 9780698189911
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publication: August 16, 2016
Imprint: Penguin Books
Language: English

A targeted and insightful guide to the stages of writing fiction and memoir without falling into common traps, while wisely navigating the writing life, from an award-winning author and longtime teacher

“A book-length master class.” —The Atlantic

Writing well does not result from following rules and instructions, but from a blend of spontaneity, judgment, and a wise attitude toward the work—neither despairing nor defensive, but clear-eyed, courageous, and discerning. Writers must learn to tolerate the early stages, the dreamlike and irrational states of mind, and then to move from jottings and ideas to a messy first draft, and onward into the work of revision. Understanding these stages is key.

The Kite and the String urges writers to let playfulness and spontaneity breathe life into the work—letting the kite move with the winds of feeling—while still holding on to the string that will keep it from flying away. Alice Mattison attends also to the difficulties of protecting writing time, preserving solitude, finding trusted readers, and setting the right goals for publication. The only writing guide that takes up both the stages of creative work and developing effective attitudes while progressing through them, plus strategies for learning more about the craft, The Kite and the String responds to a pressing need for writing guidance at all levels.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A targeted and insightful guide to the stages of writing fiction and memoir without falling into common traps, while wisely navigating the writing life, from an award-winning author and longtime teacher

“A book-length master class.” —The Atlantic

Writing well does not result from following rules and instructions, but from a blend of spontaneity, judgment, and a wise attitude toward the work—neither despairing nor defensive, but clear-eyed, courageous, and discerning. Writers must learn to tolerate the early stages, the dreamlike and irrational states of mind, and then to move from jottings and ideas to a messy first draft, and onward into the work of revision. Understanding these stages is key.

The Kite and the String urges writers to let playfulness and spontaneity breathe life into the work—letting the kite move with the winds of feeling—while still holding on to the string that will keep it from flying away. Alice Mattison attends also to the difficulties of protecting writing time, preserving solitude, finding trusted readers, and setting the right goals for publication. The only writing guide that takes up both the stages of creative work and developing effective attitudes while progressing through them, plus strategies for learning more about the craft, The Kite and the String responds to a pressing need for writing guidance at all levels.

More books from Penguin Publishing Group

Cover of the book Canyon Dreams by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Twice Fallen by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book A Field Guide to Left-Wing Wackos by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Abby Cooper: Psychic Eye by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book River's End by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Blue Shoe by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book The Book of Ichigo Ichie by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Missing You by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book More Sales, Less Time by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Chapterhouse: Dune by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Nights Of Rain And Stars by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Brain Training For Runners by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Hornet's Nest by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Longarm #405 by Alice Mattison
Cover of the book Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Alice Mattison
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy