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tinylove's review against another edition
This was a very interesting read and very beneficial to read from the perspective of an author. Reading other authors on craft is feeling equivalent to chugging electrolytes during a heat wave.
This one was much more organized than the other collection of interviews I read by Le Guin (The Last Interview one). Not that these two books should be compared to each other, but I read them back to back with the purpose of studying closer how Le Guin operated as a craftswoman so it is hard to avoid. Either way, it is not an unfavorable comparison - hard to pick one better or worse, and that's not the point, but if you want to read about her takes and thoughts on the writing process this is definitely the one you should read! Together with interviewer David Naimon they go over the three different mediums Le Guin wrote in three different interviews, each dedicated to only one (poetry, fiction and nonfiction).
And what a treat it is! They both have great knowledge, respect and love for the craft - and great respect and rapport with each other. It was three very great conversations to read and observe them engage with each other and the subject matter at hand. At the time of the interviews, Le Guin is already a veteran author and versed in all three - her takes are very insightful and honed over years of experience at this point, it feels. It was great to keep notes, especially of the books and other materials she mentions as noteworthy, so I can check them out later. That was all around a very satisfying and gainful read.
This one was much more organized than the other collection of interviews I read by Le Guin (The Last Interview one). Not that these two books should be compared to each other, but I read them back to back with the purpose of studying closer how Le Guin operated as a craftswoman so it is hard to avoid. Either way, it is not an unfavorable comparison - hard to pick one better or worse, and that's not the point, but if you want to read about her takes and thoughts on the writing process this is definitely the one you should read! Together with interviewer David Naimon they go over the three different mediums Le Guin wrote in three different interviews, each dedicated to only one (poetry, fiction and nonfiction).
And what a treat it is! They both have great knowledge, respect and love for the craft - and great respect and rapport with each other. It was three very great conversations to read and observe them engage with each other and the subject matter at hand. At the time of the interviews, Le Guin is already a veteran author and versed in all three - her takes are very insightful and honed over years of experience at this point, it feels. It was great to keep notes, especially of the books and other materials she mentions as noteworthy, so I can check them out later. That was all around a very satisfying and gainful read.
lsparrow's review against another edition
4.0
interviews from back in the 60s to before her death. I loved how some of her personality and opinions come through. she sometimes does not hold back - it was such a different perspective from her novels.
idajoh's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
i LOVE le guin. She is such a nice woman!! I agree with so many of her opinions and she is such a breath of fresh air!
I learn so much from her, not only to be more critical, but also to love myself and be confident! Cause the only way you've lost is if they've managed to silence you, and my resolution is to not be silenced.
I learn so much from her, not only to be more critical, but also to love myself and be confident! Cause the only way you've lost is if they've managed to silence you, and my resolution is to not be silenced.
wafflefonfabre's review against another edition
4.0
This is an interview put into a book. Ursula k Le Guin is a writer that's gifted with explaining herself and her opinions. Many of which are great. Her despairing at women writers lost and discussing all her writing was interesting. If you like Ursula K Le Guin I would recommend this but I don't know if it has value to anyone else?
milo_the_moth's review against another edition
Those familiar with the entire body of Le Guin’s work, and indeed, the entire literary canon, will enjoy this book more than a less informed reader. The interviewer, David Naimon, referenced Le Guin’s poetry and nonfiction reviews alongside her more renowned prose, fostering a more specific and directed discussion regarding her writing and her views on literature. Naimon was well-informed and had clearly done his research, allowing the reader to enjoy a fluent conversation between Naimon and Le Guin.
I particularly enjoyed the discussion illustrating the value of awareness of tense and point of view. Le Guin suggests that present tense is urgent and direct, and more suited for some novels than others. She criticizes trends that encourage certain styles of writing (such as the constant modern overuse of present tense) while discouraging others. Regarding points of view, she implies that limited third person has been recently lauded as the only way to write and encourages writers to explore omniscient third person when relevant. In these discussions, she recognizes the value of each writing choice as a conscious decision but warns against unconsciously following writing trends.
This book was not particularly life changing or masterfully crafted, but it accomplished its objective of continuing the discussion on modern writing and providing insight into Le Guin’s works. Fun for a quick read, especially for the aspiring writer and/or Ursula K Le Guin fan.
I particularly enjoyed the discussion illustrating the value of awareness of tense and point of view. Le Guin suggests that present tense is urgent and direct, and more suited for some novels than others. She criticizes trends that encourage certain styles of writing (such as the constant modern overuse of present tense) while discouraging others. Regarding points of view, she implies that limited third person has been recently lauded as the only way to write and encourages writers to explore omniscient third person when relevant. In these discussions, she recognizes the value of each writing choice as a conscious decision but warns against unconsciously following writing trends.
This book was not particularly life changing or masterfully crafted, but it accomplished its objective of continuing the discussion on modern writing and providing insight into Le Guin’s works. Fun for a quick read, especially for the aspiring writer and/or Ursula K Le Guin fan.