The Kite and the String

May 16, 2016
Mattison (When We Argued All Night), a writing professor and novelist, offers thoughtful, encouraging advice to beginners. The central metaphor of her title is that writing well requires both free-flowing, spontaneous thought (the kite) and common sense (the string). Moving from this sensible contention, she doles out guidance on crafting story, conjuring character, and keeping readers engaged, all peppered with examples taken from her own classroom as well as from the works of literary giants such as Mark Twain, George Eliot, and Tillie Olsen. Mattison pays particular attention to the difficulties women authors still face. She also opens space for discussing other types of diversity in writing, and there is plenty here that will be of enormous worth to budding novelists and memoirists of all genders, races, sexual orientations, and ages. Novice writers can do themselves (and us all) a favor by dipping into this practical primer. Agent: Zoë Pagnamenta, the Zoë Pagnamenta Agency.

May 1, 2016

Speaking to memoirists and novelists, Mattison (writing, Bennington Coll.; The Book Borrower) proposes a call to action: that we write, selfishly devoting the time necessary to get the words out of our heads and onto the page. Whether penning a work intended for publication or one that serves as an exercise in voice and narrative, writers are encouraged to think freely and reel in creative impulses with control, like a kite on a string. Mattison addresses the notion of writing as a selfish pursuit and inspires those seriously pursing publication to embrace that selfishness. Unlike other guides on the topic, Mattison's focuses on the process of becoming an author rather than the elements of a genre--finding story, not detailing its pieces. Anecdotes and examples from Mattison's career as a writer, mother, and MFA instructor make this a lively and provocative read. VERDICT A certain awareness of craft is assumed of the reader in this guide, but the instruction is engaging and approachable, lending the feel of a writer's workshop. A great choice for writers, particularly those with a day job.--Gricel Dominguez, Florida International Univ. Lib.

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