In a bold move, Elizabeth McCracken subverts the conventional wisdom on writing in her new book, A Long Game. The author of novels and memoirs takes aim at the craft books that have dominated the writing scene for decades, dismissing their chipper tone and encouraging advice as "exhausting" and "cheerleaderish."
McCracken, a seasoned writer and former tutor at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, rejects the notion that there's a one-size-fits-all approach to writing. Instead, she advocates for a more nuanced, personal approach that acknowledges the messy, often painful process of creation. Her own writing style is characterized by a wicked sense of humor and a willingness to push boundaries.
The 30-year-old craft book landscape has been marked by the likes of Malcolm Bradbury, Ursula K Le Guin, and Robert McKee, all of whom have contributed to the prevailing wisdom on storytelling techniques. However, McCracken is not interested in perpetuating this system of thought. Her writing is a refreshing antidote to the "Show, don't tell" and "Write what you know" clichés that have become ubiquitous in writing workshops.
In A Long Game, McCracken tackles these tired tropes head-on, offering a more irreverent take on the writing process. She advocates for embracing chaos and uncertainty, rather than trying to impose order or structure on one's work. This approach may be jarring for writers who are accustomed to following rules and guidelines, but it could also be liberating.
One of the most striking aspects of McCracken's book is its unapologetic honesty about the writing process. She writes with a sense of self-loathing, admitting that her own productivity relies on harnessing her inner demons rather than relying on some foolproof system for getting work done. This vulnerability could be seen as a refreshing change from the usual motivational fare that dominates the writing scene.
Overall, A Long Game is a bold and unapologetic take on the writing process. McCracken's unconventional approach may not be for everyone, but it has the potential to inspire writers who are tired of following the same old advice.
McCracken, a seasoned writer and former tutor at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, rejects the notion that there's a one-size-fits-all approach to writing. Instead, she advocates for a more nuanced, personal approach that acknowledges the messy, often painful process of creation. Her own writing style is characterized by a wicked sense of humor and a willingness to push boundaries.
The 30-year-old craft book landscape has been marked by the likes of Malcolm Bradbury, Ursula K Le Guin, and Robert McKee, all of whom have contributed to the prevailing wisdom on storytelling techniques. However, McCracken is not interested in perpetuating this system of thought. Her writing is a refreshing antidote to the "Show, don't tell" and "Write what you know" clichés that have become ubiquitous in writing workshops.
In A Long Game, McCracken tackles these tired tropes head-on, offering a more irreverent take on the writing process. She advocates for embracing chaos and uncertainty, rather than trying to impose order or structure on one's work. This approach may be jarring for writers who are accustomed to following rules and guidelines, but it could also be liberating.
One of the most striking aspects of McCracken's book is its unapologetic honesty about the writing process. She writes with a sense of self-loathing, admitting that her own productivity relies on harnessing her inner demons rather than relying on some foolproof system for getting work done. This vulnerability could be seen as a refreshing change from the usual motivational fare that dominates the writing scene.
Overall, A Long Game is a bold and unapologetic take on the writing process. McCracken's unconventional approach may not be for everyone, but it has the potential to inspire writers who are tired of following the same old advice.
. our writing process is so personal and messy, why do we need a one-size-fits-all approach? i mean, who hasn't struggled with writer's block or self-doubt? she's right, those "exhausting" advice books are just that - advice - not real life 
. mccracken's honesty about her own struggles is so refreshing, it's like she's speaking our language 
. maybe it's time we stop trying to fit into some perfect narrative and just let our words be a reflection of our own chaotic minds 
. anyone else feeling the vibe? 
i'm loving elizabeth mccracken's new book A Long Game so much! she's like a breath of fresh air for writers who feel like they're stuck in a rut with all those cheesy craft books out there 
. her approach is all about embracing the messy, imperfect process of creation and not trying to fit into some cookie-cutter mold 
. i mean, who needs rules and guidelines when you can just let your inner demons run wild? 
it's so refreshing to see someone being unapologetically honest about their own writing struggles - it's like she's saying "yep, we're all just winging it here". 
I'm surprised she's going against the grain like this. Most craft books just rehash the same old clichés and it's refreshing to see someone shaking things up. 
I mean, who needs all that cheesy "follow your dreams" nonsense when you can just dive headfirst into the messy, chaotic world of writing? For me, McCracken's honesty about her own struggles with productivity is super relatable - I'm guilty of harnessing my inner demons to get work done too! 
The way she tosses those old "Show, don't tell" and "Write what you know" clichés to the curb is like music to my ears. It's time we stop pretending that writing is all rainbows and unicorns and start embracing the ugliness and uncertainty of it all. Can't wait to dive in and see where this wild ride takes me! 
. Her approach is so much more relatable, you know? We're not all just magically talented writers who can churn out bestsellers overnight 
.
... anyone else read it yet?
. As someone who's been stuck in a never-ending cycle of essay writing and exams, I can attest that trying to fit everything into some neat little structure is just so... draining 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, motivation is great and all, but sometimes you just need to let your ideas go wild and see where they take you! My friends and I always joke about how our most productive writing sessions are when we're feeling totally burnt out 
.
. And if her book can inspire writers to shake things up and try something new, then I'm all for it 
.
They always seemed so stuffy and boring to me, but McCracken's got a wicked sense of humor that makes the book feel way more approachable 
That's kinda refreshing, you know? But at the same time, it's also kinda scary because I'm not sure if I'm ready to give up all my trusty writing guides 
. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out... 
Don't get me wrong, her honesty and humor are definitely refreshing, but isn't it just a bit too self-indulgent at times? I need something that's gonna make me go from "meh" to "aha!" - not just something that's gonna make me nod my head in agreement.
Elizabeth McCracken just called out all those "helpful" craft books - about time someone gave them a good roast 
I'm definitely inspired to shake things up in my own writing routine 
it's refreshing to read someone who doesn't claim to have all the answers. maybe this book is just what some writers need - a kick in the pants to stop following the rules and just start writing 
. The only thing I'd say is, maybe her style isn't for everyone, but that's what makes it so interesting! 
. i mean, who says we gotta conform to these rules and guidelines all the time? not me, that's for sure 
She's like a rebel, pushing boundaries and refusing to play by the conventional wisdom. And I love how she's unapologetic about her own process - who hasn't struggled with procrastination and self-doubt? 
Her writing style is so raw and honest, it feels like you're reading her diary or something. I'm definitely intrigued to dive in and see what all the fuss is about!