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A review by milo_the_moth
Ursula K. Le Guin: Conversations on Writing by Ursula K. Le Guin, David Naimon
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.