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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.
aardwyrm's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Interview in Extensia is not my favorite form, but this conversation between a master and a fan in the truest sense is worth the pitfalls. The prose section is the strongest and you do bump up against a few unacknowledged blind spots in the nonfiction bit, but i 's a witty and insightful piece throughout.
murphyc1's review against another edition
5.0
Captivating, funny, earnest, and enlightening. Ursula K. Le Guin was a unique writer and deservedly beloved. I'll likely read it again someday, after I've read several more of her novels.
sakeriver's review against another edition
I’d already listened to all three of the Between the Covers episodes that formed the basis of this book, but not only was it a real pleasure to revisit those conversations in written form, but the book adds some nice additional dimensions. The book as object is beautiful, feeling simultaneously contemporary and classic. And I enjoyed the introductions Naimon added to introduce each section, which provided context and deepened the experience. I also thought it was a great touch that excerpts were added from many of the works they discussed.
chamomiledaydreams's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a quick and engaging read with many insights into writing fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Although the purpose of these interviews isn't to be used strictly as an educational tool, I can't help but think that they teach a lot of practical writing skills, by encouraging readers to become more aware of the power of language and how it can be wielded. It also led me down an enjoyable rabbit hole of researching various books, authors, and speeches referenced offhandedly in the dialogues.
tlindhorst's review against another edition
5.0
The final book of Ursula K LeGuin. A transcription of 3 interviews with David Naimon on fiction, poetry & nonfiction. Includes excerpts from LeGuin’s writings in each area. A lovely conversation to listen in on & a good complement to her nonfiction writing on writing.
labyrinth_witch's review against another edition
5.0
Published posthumously, this is a final peak into Ursula K Le Guin’s thoughts on writing, her work, and her career. Structured as a set of three interviews with David Naimon, you truly get the feel for two writers exploring the world of their craft with great care and attention.
Reading this small tomb encouraged me to think more attentively to my own writing, recalling my mind back to early days in high school when I was first being taught to write. I remembered things about myself that I had forgotten- such as knowing how to diagram a sentence. I may be the last generation to have been taught such a vital skill, and I credit it to my ability (and love of) rearranging the elements of a sentence to achieve an effect. But she discussed other things- cadence, rhythm, structure, genre writing. David Naimon serves as a wonderful facilitator, you can tell how much he admires her and has read so much of her world. Interspersed are excerpts from her essays and lectures to really quicken their discussion.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to know their craft more.
Reading this small tomb encouraged me to think more attentively to my own writing, recalling my mind back to early days in high school when I was first being taught to write. I remembered things about myself that I had forgotten- such as knowing how to diagram a sentence. I may be the last generation to have been taught such a vital skill, and I credit it to my ability (and love of) rearranging the elements of a sentence to achieve an effect. But she discussed other things- cadence, rhythm, structure, genre writing. David Naimon serves as a wonderful facilitator, you can tell how much he admires her and has read so much of her world. Interspersed are excerpts from her essays and lectures to really quicken their discussion.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to know their craft more.