Colum McCann is a great writer, no doubt about it in my mind, but what I didn’t know until picking up this book is that he is a well-respected instructor and mentor, teaching a writing class for some of the smartest young writers in America, chosen from a pool of many, some of whom have gone on to receive prestigious book awards.

Do not expect a writing manual. Far from it. Expect simple, practical and mindful wisdom, tips for the novice writer and encouragement to be adventurous and ‘break the rules.” Told in 52 essays with attention grabbing titles such as “No Rust on Your Sentences Please”, “Fuhgeddaboudit: Writing Dialogue” and “Don’t Be a Dick”, McCann’s insight into the art of writing is inspirational and down to earth, His advice seems to come from the heart and his own lessons learned. This book will make a great gift for fledgeling writers and, although I am not a writer, there were a number of things that will make me as a reader approach books more thoughtfully.

Any writer reading this will find a compilation of advice, great quotes, and miscellany on the writing life, the writing universe. In my experience, it was best read in sections. [Too much advice in too short of a time is bad.]

I found the book very compelling and interesting. Even though I am not a writer, itvwascinspiring.

5 stars is just not enough. I am not a writer but, I did not hesitate in the least to accept a digital review copy of this book when it was offered. If I were asked to name my favorite contemporary writers, Colum McCann would without a doubt be on that list. I knew that this would be beautifully written and it was.

This book was so meaningful to me even though I read this purely from the perspective of a an avid reader. It will change how I read a book from here on in. Whether it's a book I love or one not so much, McCann has given me a new respect for the writer, a respect for the intimate process that writing is, for all that it takes to put those words down, to order those words perfectly, to tell a story that can "whisper something beautiful in your ear".

I appreciated the quotes from various writers at the beginning of each chapter, but I mostly loved the things that McCann says about writers knowing "the most silent hour of the night ", about "this crafty sullen art" . I had goosebumps when he talks about the importance of language, urging the writer to "Listen for that quiet line." As a reader I'm always listening for "that quiet line" so this spoke to me , a reader whose favorite books are those that tell stories quietly.

Highly recommended to writers, old and young, to anyone who has loved a book by Colum McCann, actually to anyone who can say that reading is a part of who they are and believes in what McCann says , " Literature proposes possibilities and then makes truths of them. In storytelling we are given some of the most profound evidence of being alive ."

A million thanks to you Colum McCann for sharing so much of yourself here and in all you write. I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House through NetGalley,

First up this week is Letters to a Young Writer by Colum McCann. He obviously knows a thing or two about writing since his novel, Let The Great World Spin is an award winning book.

I am open to all advice about writing that I can possibly read. Never turn down help or advice on writing. I am eager to dig into this one and glean something helpful or thought provoking.

Here’s what you need to know:

Intriguing and inspirational, this book is a call to look outward rather than inward. McCann asks his readers to constantly push the boundaries of experience, to see empathy and wonder in the stories we craft and hear.

A paean to the power of language, both by argument and by example, Letters to a Young Writer is fierce and honest in its testament to the bruises delivered by writing as both a profession and a calling. It charges aspiring writers to learn the rules and even break them.

I hear its a fabulous story from beginning to end whether you are a writer or not.

This is wonderful advice but it makes writing seem very daunting to someone with only a glancing interest in it. Would totally recommend to someone with a stronger interest though!!!

I was hesitant about reading this book because I am a reader not a writer but it was so full of the joy of books that it was just plain wonderful. He writes no nonsense advice to novice writers that can be applied to any real life job. He also includes lots of quotes from other authors that are so insightful and helpful not only to writing but reading as well. My favorite was by Oscar Wilde, "The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it." How great is that?

His first piece of advice is to write. How true this is. No day dreaming, no postponing, no excuses- just plop your butt in your chair and write. This is what is called practice and no matter what you do, you must practice. Quality does not come easily. You have to work at it. I have read one of the reasons the Beatles were so good is they played in bars in Germany 7-8 hours a day. They didn't sit in their garage and shoot the breeze. They went out and did it. They practiced. No matter what you do this is sage advice. Work hard.

The second piece of advice is actually my favorite. Don't be an ass (not the word he used) but you get the drift. Don't act like a big shot. Be nice, be kind, be considerate and value your readers (or customers or whatever). I can't tell you how important this is. I took my 75 year old mother to a Tony Hillerman writers conference in Albuquerque about 10-12 years ago. Hillerman wrote the delightful Joe Leapfrog mysteries. Faye and Jonathan Kellerman also appeared there. I liked both of their separate series and was quite excited. Jonathon was a jerk. He would look over people's heads as they talked to him. He wore a pained expression on his face like what am I doing here at this rinky dinky thing? He was unkind and disrespectful to his readers. I never read him again. As much as I liked his Alex Delaware series, life is too short too support anyone who thinks he's too good for his readers. I hasten to add that his wife, Faye, was quite charming and Tony Hillerman was a great gentleman. So this is great advice. Kellerman lost about 50 readers who were so put off by him. Maybe he thinks it doesn't matter. This is also great advice for anyone in life. Life is too short to be a jerk.

McCann loves James Joyce. He advises writers not to worry so much about a plot. He says, "The greatest novel ever written has very little apparent plot. A cuckold walks around Dublin for twenty-four hours. No shootouts, no cheap shots, no car crashes." He continues though that every story has some kind of plot and what the plot must do is "twist our hearts in some way."

If you love reading or writing, this is a wonderful addition to your library.

My thanks to NetGalley, Random House and Jess Bonet for the opportunity to read this book.
If you love reading or writing, this is a wonderful addition to your library.

5 zillion stars!

Dear Mr. McCann,

Could you adopt me? I know that's an unusual request coming from a 60-something woman, but I just had to ask. I know you have a family, but I won’t be noisy and interrupt the routine. I’ll try hard to keep my mouth shut. You’ll be batting around story ideas in your head and won’t even know I’m there. I have it all planned. We'll all be at the dinner table and I’ll ask you to pass the pepper and then you'll just start reciting your book. The meal-time poetry I never had. I’ll sit there forever, hoping you’ll just lean across the table and utter your entire book into my ear, this one long wise and brilliant poem with no beginning and no end. Of course, you’ve demanded that I carry a notebook, so I’ll scribble down snippets. Pure ecstasy, stuffing my head with your words as I stuff my mouth with the Chicken Kiev.

I love it that you practice what you preach. I know you know this, but your language sings like a happy canary. I absolutely loved this sentence:

“The idea of joy might need a long crazy ungrammatical sentence running on foolishly yeah breathlessly without care or custom just rapture pureness moving as if there’s a horse galloping underneath the words. Sadness, on the other hand, might need to be curt. Sharp. Dark. Alone.”

OMG do those sentences make my head dance! The rhythm slays me. I want to bring out my conga drum and let my fingers dance too! My head, my heart, my soul—all in! But then you’re liable to point out (without shaming me, I hope) that I’m being too noisy. I’m not a glass-is-half-full kind of gal, but I want to think that maybe you’ll encourage your family to get up and dance and we’ll all rock on out.

Okay, okay. You won't adopt me. I get it. It was a long shot. The paperwork alone would be a bitch. I'll just have to be happy being your devoted student. A compulsive one, one who had to highlight mostly every word of your book, which made the underlines sort of useless--nothing stands out because everything stands out. EVERYTHING!

Maybe I'll make a rule that if I highlight nine-tenths of a book, I have to reread it. Rereading it is not punishment, but a necessity, a treat, a piece of key lime pie. What can I say when I loved every single thing about this book? Your chapter titles alone pull me in: There Are No Rules; The Terror of the White Page; How Old Is a Young Writer. Then there’s the chapter Don’t Be a Dick, followed by the chapter: Then Again, Don’t Be Too Nice. I’m controlling myself by not listing the whole Table of Contents here--like I said, I loved Every. Single. Word.

Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re a really bossy guy, you know. I love it. I’m so in awe of you and your mind, I want to follow every directive you give. It’s not a contradiction that you’re also incredibly humble. And most important, you are so very inspirational. In fact, this is the most inspirational book I have ever read, bar none. To my glee and surprise, I actually wrote half of a short story the second I finished your book, and I’m jonesin’ to get back to it, with your astute advice playing out in my efforts.

I just love how you open each chapter with a cool quote by a writer. You selected beauties; every one of them made me stop and think and nod my head yes. I appreciate, too, that your chapters are short. It’s great for this ADD age. And it makes it easy to pick up your book and get a dose whenever I want—it’s like having a glass of sparkling water at my side.

My key takeaway (though it’s nearly impossible to limit it to one) is to keep my arse in the chair. I’m trying to make that my mantra. Of course I’ll have to change it to “keep my ass in the chair” since I’m American. I hope that’s okay with you.

Other off-the-top-of-my-head takeaways (since I give up—I can’t stop myself): You're never too old to start. There are no rules. Know grammar so you can twist it when you want to. Make your words sing (and dance). Have fun. Stay on track. Slow is okay. Carry a notebook. I’ve heard many of those things before, but you make it this playful and wise poem that’s so totally addictive. You also introduced me to new ideas, like reading aloud. Although I know that will feel weird at first, I think it’s a good idea because I’ll be able to hear the rhythm of the words.

Even though your book is about writing, I think non-writers will adore it too. The last few chapters about the publishing process are targeted to writers, yes, but the rest of the book is universal. Your book made my head dance, it made my heart sing. And there's no describing what it did to my soul. Best book, ever. This book has so many stars, it doesn't know what to do with them. I count my lucky stars that I got to read it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

Why would someone like me -- a middle aged non writer with no aspirations to becoming a writer -- read and love Calum McCann's Letters to a Young Writer:

-Because when the publisher sent me a copy, I thought "why not", having previously loved McCann's fiction.
-Because it's beautifully written from beginning to end -- so many delicious sentences and passages worth highlighting and revisiting.
-Because while McCann purports to provide advice to young writers, he does much more -- his advice is not just for the young and it applies to so much in life beyond writing.
-Because I loved his sincerity and humility.
-Because I felt inspired.
-Because I laughed a bit, and smiled and nodded a lot.
-Because while I really don't have any aspirations to becoming a writer, he planted a seed of desire and inspiration.
-Because there are a few people I need to give this book to.
-Because he says it's ok to end a sentence with a preposition every now and then, as long as you do it knowingly and for the right effect -- mind you, my sentence above was pure laziness.
-Because I wish I lived in a world in which writing so intelligently and beautifully was broadly recognized and applauded rather than viewed suspiciously by many as elitist.
-Because it's short, can be read in snippets, and enjoyed in small pieces.
-Because I will definitely read it again.

Highly recommended to pretty much anyone who aspires to take risks, and to do anything with depth and dedication.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.

Notice that the first dozen reviews are: "Vine Customer Review of Free Product." So, freebies from Amazon. Theirs show first because Amazon allows them to post before publication day. Hmm.

Another reviewer said that there's nothing really new here, and I agree. One essay runs three pages. Distilled, the advice: "Avoid cliches." Oh.

Another was three sentences long. "Be in the habit of hoping."? I doubt young writers will find that terribly useful.

Think of Letters as inspirational rather than practical, and pick it up only if you can get a deal on it.

BOOK REVIEW:

Posted by Anna Patterson. Writer, Journalist, Book Reviewer

Letters to a Young Writer: Some Practical and Philosophical Advice by Colum McCann. Random House Publishing Group – Random House. Nonfiction (Adult). Publication Date April 4, 2017. Pages 121.
A collection of fifty-two essays
By award winning author
And instructor of the subject of Creative Writing
Other books by author include:
Fiction – Thirteen Ways of Looking; TransAtlantic; Let the Great World Spin
Nonfiction – Letters to a Young Writer and The Book of Men.
He talks about teaching in college programs, but he also talks of his own efforts as a writer. He talks of sending one of his own fiction manuscripts to a fellow writer. He talks of the importance of the suggestions that followed.
My Opinion – I believe if there was an ABC book which completely explains how to start on the long path of writing and become a writer, this book is it!
My Favorite Chapter of the book is: “There Are No Rules.”
The author writes knowingly of the ongoing battle between the writer and possibly would-be author and the blank page!
I would give this book Five Stars for its well thought out and thoughtful effort to help writers. It does that splendidly. I am a blogger and reviewer. I was privileged to read this book as a professional reviewer on NetGalley.

Colum McCann is a best-selling author, and his short film: Everything in This Country Must was nominated for an Oscar in the Year 2005. He is a contributor to The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine The Atlantic and The Paris Review.
He also teaches a Creative Writing program and lives in New York.

When I was invited to review this book, my first thought was that I am not the intended audience. I am emphatically a reader and not a writer; I don't really want to see how the sausage is made, I just want to devour it. That being said, like any serious reader I've harbored secret dreams of writing my own masterpiece now and then, but I'm realistic and know that's probably not going to happen for a multitude of reasons.

You're in such good hands with McCann though no matter what the topic, and this collection was damn useful. The "letters" are brief and to the point with tons of quotable lines - I'd love to include some here but will refrain given this was an ARC. I actually felt a lot of the advice was just as prevalent for writing work emails as writing a novel. While i'm still under no illusions about my own ability to write a book, reading this lifted the veil of mystery from the process in such a positive and practical way that it left me feeling that maybe it wasn't entirely out of the question.

A few writing books have become must-reads for any aspiring English-language novelist: Stephen King’s On Writing, Ursula K. Le Guin’s Steering the Craft, William Zinsser’s On Writing Well. This year, Colum McCann‘s Letters to a Young Writer: Some Practical and Philosophical Advice joins that list. Consisting of 52 essays crammed with no-nonsense advice, Letters is a must-read for any Aspiring Writer.

In case you’re wondering who the eponymous Young Writer is, McCann himself asks that very question. Is a Young Writer any person who has never written before? Never published? Are they a person younger than 30? Younger than 50? Of course, anyone can be a Young Writer, provided they are green enough to need the advice McCann lays out. Unless they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’ll learn nothing from Letters to a Young Writer, every writer — Aspiring or Actual — should take the time to read it.

Early on in Letters to a Young Writer, McCann states that his book is not a writing guide. With all due respect to McCann, this reviewer must call him a liar. Granted, McCann means to say that his book — unlike The Elements of Style or the aforementioned On Writing Well — should not be used to style an Aspiring Writer’s work. Letters to a Young Writer doesn’t nitpick over sentence structure and word choice, and you’ll find no advice on the “Who vs. Whom” dilemma here. Even still, written in clipped sentences that read like Roy Peter Clark’s Writing Tools, Letters to a Young Writer is the best kind of writing guide: practical, informative, and motivating.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.

Published 3/18 on Goodreads, 3/20 on Kristian Wilson, Writing

good one, good practical advice, energizes you to doing better.

These short and pithy essays will certainly inspire many a young writer, as well as many older writers who fall into more a novice category. While not necessarily a "how-to" manual, McCann is an encouraging mentor to the reader who wants to write, and begins each essay with a famous quote. He addresses not just what writers need to succeed, but also the inevitability of failure. I particularly liked the essay "Your First Line," as I've always been a stalwart believer in a strong opening line!

Outstanding advice for those who want to write, and for current writers who want to fine tune their writing. I've read a few books who would have benefited greatly from the advice in Theis book. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This slim volume of advice to young writers could also get away with the title "letters to young writers, or slightly older writers or even ancient writers and letters to people who ever wished they would pick up a pen or who think they still might, and letters to readers." of course, such a title would go against some of McCann's best advice found therein. It really is a book for anyone who has wondered at the words upon the page, who has been filled up with longing and optimism and contentment as they devour the contents of a book. McCann has looked into himself and come through it singing, his words forming a melody, a hymn praising the written word and those who endeavor to write.

Opening line:
""Nobody can advise you and help you, nobody," said Rilke in Letters to a Young Poet over a century ago."

This book is a great, quick read for any writer. And it's chock full of twittable sayings you could make into memes. Seriously. You could make about a hundred. There's some advice all writers have heard (your characters must have flaws) and some that would be good to write down and think about.

A few examples:
""This most of all, he (Rilke) says. "Ask yourself in the most silent hour of night: Must I write?""

"A first line should open up your rib cage. It should reach in and twist your heart backward. It should suggest that the world will never be the same again."

"Don't write what you know, write toward what you want to know."

"A dialogue might not be true, but it must be honest."

Thanks to netgalley for the early, fun read.

This is not my first dance with Colum McCan and I now know it won’t be my last. This man has a way with words, a humble regality. Is that possible? I highlighted sentence after sentence, paragraph after paragraph in an attempt to preserve the words in my mind.

I am not a writer. I read, I read unceasingly. I read at home, at work, on planes, in foreign countries and in the wilderness. Reading this work, meant for writers, made me consider putting the book down for a bit and picking up the pen that I mostly use to correct the work of others.

"A story begins long before its first word. It ends long after its last."

This is a collection of letters on various subjects, aimed at encouraging the young writer. What constitutes a young rider? McCann himself isn’t concerned with that. He points out that beloved Frank McCourt (who surely is reading this one in heaven) was 64 when he began.

"To not know exactly where your story is going is a good thing. It may drive you mad for a little while, but there’s worse things than madness: try silence, for instance."

I could gush on endlessly and copy, paste quote after quote. Just read it. It’s short. It’s beautiful. It’s the work of Colum McCann. What a great book to beckon me back to this blog.

"Stories matter. They send our kids to war. They open up our pockets. They break our hearts."

Five of the brightest stars.

Expected Publication: April 4, 2017