Still Writing

July 8, 2013
In this hybrid guide, meditation, and memoir, novelist and memoirist Shapiro (Devotion) shares thoughts and strategies on the act of writing and the writing life. Focusing on the creative process itself, Shapiro divides her book into three parts—Beginnings, Middles, and Ends—and sprinkles thoughts in from all corners. For example, “Beginnings” contains ideas on how to begin a piece, as well as how to shore up self-confidence when young and just starting out. Unfortunately, the book suffers from a dearth of specifics in relation to craft. Concrete nuggets, such as an anecdote about unconsciously overusing the word “muffled”—a repetition Shapiro thinks indicates a lack of closeness to her characters—are the exception, not the rule. More prevalent are inspirational statements such as: “I reach for treasures in this underwater landscape. Ones that only I can see.... Courage is all about feeling the fear and doing it anyway.” Many of the clichés do contain truth—“It is the job of the writer to say, look at that. To point. To shine a light”—but little in the book distinguishes it from a crowded field.

October 1, 2013
Novelist and memoirist Shapiro (Devotion, 2010) explores the qualities of a creative life while reflecting on the indelible relationship between her own experiences and her writing practice. An accomplished author, Shapiro provides insight into both craft and career, separating the text into three parts: Beginnings, Middles, and Ends. Each looks at certain literary efforts alongside everyday challenges faced at the different stages of the creative process, from such general pitfalls as procrastination to more unwieldy, internal struggles, such as uncertainty, restlessness, and self-doubt. Shapiro blends her personal thoughts with anecdotes from fellow writers, providing varying perspectives and strategies in navigating the demands of writing. Throughout the text, Shapiro weaves in reflections on the more difficult circumstances of her life, including an isolated childhood, her father's death, and the complicated relationship with her mother. In these moments, the narrative explores how such events shaped and informed Shapiro's writing then and now. Honest and conversational, Shapiro provides an introspective look into the creative process and the value of persistence, offering inspiration for writers at any level.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)