How to Write

May 29, 1995
Rhodes (The Making of the Atomic Bomb) has enjoyed a long career as a magazine writer and as an author, mainly of verity--his preferred term for nonfiction--but also of some (less heralded) novels. This book has the virtues and defects of a long chat at Rhodes's table: the author offers worthy encouragement for fighting psychological barriers, and useful advice on tools and research. His discussion of voice and structure, though aimed at both writers of fiction and writers of verity, is a bit sketchy for fictioneers. Similarly, while his guidance on writing magazine articles is interesting, his take on the business of writing--after the usual caveats regarding its difficulty--relies a bit much on his happy war stories. Most useful, and unusual in books of this genre, is the author's textured account of the editing process, including his own blow-by-reworked-blow example of an essay-in-the-making. This isn't quite a comprehensive guide but an encouraging companion, especially for those familiar with Rhodes's work.

February 15, 1995
A winner of numerous literary trophies gives advice to aspiring writers.

April 1, 1996
YA-True to his word, the Pulitzer-prize winning author records in detail his writing process, and in so doing comes full circle. "Ending can also be beginning," he says. "If you want to write, you can." Citing his own works and those of Anthony Trollope, John McPhee, Fran Lebowitz, and Iris Murdoch (to name just a few), Rhodes abundantly illustrates each of his 10 chapters with caveats, encouragement, and helpful hints. Practically everyone will find a useful nugget or two in this basic, yet diverse, text. The notes for each chapter and the index show the author's breadth of reading, and should serve as encouragement for YAs who want to venture further.-Pamela B. Rearden, Centreville Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA