I’ve read a fair number of Joyce Carol Oates’ novels and short story collections. She’s routinely mentioned when the Nobel Prize for Fiction rolls around each year. And the fact that Joyce Carol Oates grew up and went to school (in a one-room school house!) about 10 miles from where I currently reside was also a spur to read her revealing The Faith of a Writer. In a series of essays, Oates talks about her childhood, the books that were the most important to her, her writing routine, and her view of what writing requires in order to approach the outskirts of Art. I prefer Oates’ short stories to her sometimes elephantine novels, but Oates gives a good defense of her need to write novels. Although Joyce Carol Oates is an enormously prolific writer, her quality control is good. She rarely writes a clunker. If you’re a Joyce Carol Oates fan or if you’re interested in the opinions of a high-profile writer on her craft, pick up a copy of The Faith of a Writer. GRADE: B+
On reserve at the library. Thanks!
I always enjoy reading books where writers talk about their craft, Patti. There’s plenty to think about in THE FAITH OF A WRITER.
I have only read a couple of her short stories, one in a Christmas collection that I cannot recall the title of, and I remember liking them very much. She is definitely one of those authors that you do hear her name all over the place. And writers discussing craft and also discussing the books that are meaningful to them is something that I’ve really enjoyed in the past.
Joyce Carol Oates has plenty to say about her craft and her development as a writer, Carl. I’m sucker for this kind of book.
Mu library already has it for me. I love libraries.
Me, too, Patti. Diane claims our local Public Library has us on Speed-Dial.
I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything by Oates, though perhaps a short story has snuck by in some collection or other. I certainly don’t recall being impressed by anything specific. I admit this sounds interesting, though. George, you’re a devil.
Patti refers to me as George the Tempter, Rick.
She writes way too much to keep up with her but this one is definitely on my list.
I can’t keep up with all of Joyce Carol Oates’ work, either, Jeff. She’s almost as prolific James Patterson!