About Writing

December 1, 2005
This is not another how-to book for marketing fiction. Instead, in a complicated pattern set within the format of seven lengthy essays, four random letters to unidentified colleagues, and five interviews, award-winning sf novelist Delany (English & creative writing, Temple Univ.) offers readers a description of the art of writing fiction, a demonstration of how fiction fits into today's world, and a discussion of the writer's reputation. Delany offers insights from his more than 30 years of writing and teaching experience, and hence his book may prove useful for writing teachers. However, it is too poorly organized to serve as a practical guide for aspiring writers and provides no index to help the reader hone in on a topic. Also, while many of Delany's theories -especially his examples of the differences between good writing and talented writing -are intriguing enough to allow this book a place in academic libraries, even the most dedicated scholars may find plodding through the verbose narratives a painfully slow experience. Public libraries, save your shelf space." -Nedra Crowe-Evers, Sonoma Cty. Lib., Santa Rosa, CA"

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2005
During his tenure as professor of English and creative writing at Temple University, Delany has become almost as well known for his criticism as for his award-winning science fiction. His latest nonfiction book is a compilation of finely nuanced essays, letters, and interviews devoted to the craft of writing. After a long, autobiographical introduction comes a pair of essays, "Teaching/Writing" and "Thickening the Plot," that grew out of Delany's experience with the renowned Clarion Workshops. In the remaining essays, as well as in five interviews for assorted periodicals and four letters to fellow authors, Delany expounds on the many elements of good writing. An extended appendix of "nits, nips, tucks and tips" probes such topics as dialogue and dramatic structure for the benefit of novice authors. Although Delany's strong associations with sf may limit the audience for this masterfully written volume, it deserves a reading by aspiring wordsmiths in every genre.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)