The Art of Slow Writing: Reflections on Time, Craft, and Creativity

Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references.; In a series of conversational observations and meditations on the writing process, The Art of Slow Writing examines the benefits of writing slowly. DeSalvo advises her readers to explore their creative process on deeper levels by getting to know themselves and their stories more fully over a longer period of time. Biographical Note: LOUISE DESALVO is an award-winning teacher and writer. She is currently the Jenny Hunter Endowed Professor at Hunter College where she started Hunter's MFA in Memoir program. She has published seventeen books, among them "Virginia Woolf," named one of the most important books of the 20th century by "The Women's Review of Books, "and the groundbreaking "Writing as a Way of Healing." She lives in Sag Harbor, NY, and Upper Montclair, NJ with her husband. Table of Contents: Preface -- Introduction: The Art of Slow Writing -- Part 1. Getting Ready to Write -- Introduction -- 1. Learning How to Work at Writing -- 2. Finding Our Own Rhythm -- 3. Where to Begin -- 4. Routine -- 5. Tools of the Trade -- 6. A Writer's Mise en Place -- 7. Deliberate Practice -- 8. Writing and Real Life -- 9. Raw Material -- 10. Walking and Inspiration -- Part 2. A Writer's Apprenticeship -- Introduction -- 11. Apprenticeship -- 12. Writing Outside and Elsewhere -- 13. Process Journal -- 14. Patience, Humility, and Respect -- 15. Learning How to Learn -- 16. Labor and Management -- 17. Game Plan -- 18. No Excuses -- 19. Writing Rehab -- 20. A Writer's Notebook -- 21. The Creative Act -- 22. Support for Our Work -- 23. Radical Work Takes Time -- Part 3. Challenges and Successes -- Introduction -- 24. Failure in the Middle -- 25. Doubt -- 26. Writing as Collaboration -- 27. Creative Problem Solving -- 28. Rejection Letters -- 29. Hailstorms -- 30. Turning the Corner -- 31. Practice Deciding -- 32. Successful Outcomes -- 33. Ship's Log -- 34. What Worked and Why -- Part 4. Writers at Rest -- Introduction -- 35. Dreaming and Daydreaming -- 36. Dumbstruck -- 37. Taking a Break -- 38. Why I'm a Writer Who Cooks -- 39. Slow Reading -- 40. Fresh Air -- 41. Waiting for an Answer -- 42. A New Perspective -- 43. What's in Your Drawer? -- Part 5. Building a Book, Finishing a Book -- Introduction -- 44. How Long Does It Take? -- 45. Over Time -- 46. Architecture and Design -- 47. Turning Pages into Book -- 48. Structuring Our Work -- 49. The Second Sleeve -- 50. Tied Up in Knots -- 51. Writing Partners -- 52. Revision -- 53. The Toughest Choice -- 54. Self-Censorship -- 55. The Finish Line -- Epilogue: Beginning Again -- Sources -- Acknowledgments. Review Quotes: "I want to hand a copy of "Slow Writing" to every writer I know and every writer I don't know. This book is a gift. Its insights are unparalleled. Louise DeSalvo takes the reader on a joyful, unforgettable journey of reflection and pathos. I can't thank DeSalvo enough for writing this wise, accessible yet intensely researched master meditation on writing. Read it more than once-- the first time for pleasure and many more times for its invaluable insights into the craft."--Margaux Fragoso, author of "Tiger, Tiger: A Memoir""In this wise and insightful book, Louise DeSalvo draws from her own rich experience - as well as from that a variety of writers - to make the persuasive case that good writing takes time. As I read, I found myself underlining, dog-earing pages, writing notes in the margin, inspired by DeSalvo's passion and focus. Deep immersion in the process of writing, she says, yields results that surprise and delight us; our work is stronger, more nuanced, and more compelling. "The Art Of Slow Writing" is a welcome reminder that in this fast-paced world, some things should not be rushed."--Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Orphan Train""DeSalvo turns what might have been an exercise in navel-gazing into a lively and inspiring guide for writers of all stripes. Buy two copies--the first will quickly sprout dog-ears."--"Publishers Weekly" (starred review) Review Quotes: "Leavened by her own elegant and energetic prose,?"The Art of Slow Writing"?distills the wisdom of long experience. Whether in the classroom or on the page, DeSalvo is that rare teacher who is both exacting and inspiring."--Kathryn Harrison, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Enchantments, The Kiss, "and "The Binding Chair""I want to hand a copy of "Slow Writing" to every writer I know and every writer I don't know. This book is a gift. Its insights are unparalleled. Louise DeSalvo takes the reader on a joyful, unforgettable journey of reflection and pathos. I can't thank DeSalvo enough for writing this wise, accessible yet intensely researched master meditation on writing. Read it more than once-- the first time for pleasure and many more times for its invaluable insights into the craft."--Margaux Fragoso, author of "Tiger, Tiger: A Memoir""In this wise and insightful book, Louise DeSalvo draws from her own rich experience - as well as from that a variety of writers - to make the persuasive case that good writing takes time. As I read, I found myself underlining, dog-earing pages, writing notes in the margin, inspired by DeSalvo's passion and focus. Deep immersion in the process of writing, she says, yields results that surprise and delight us; our work is stronger, more nuanced, and more compelling. "The Art Of Slow Writing" is a welcome reminder that in this fast-paced world, some things should not be rushed."--Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Orphan Train""DeSalvo turns what might have been an exercise in navel-gazing into a lively and inspiring guide for writers of all stripes. Buy two copies--the first will quickly sprout dog-ears."--"Publishers Weekly" (starred review) Publisher Marketing: In a series of conversational observations and meditations on the writing process, "The Art of Slow Writing" examines the benefits of writing slowly. DeSalvo advises her readers to explore their creative process on deeper levels by getting to know themselves and their stories more fully over a longer period of time. She writes in the same supportive manner that encourages her students, using the slow writing process to help them explore the complexities of craft. "The Art of Slow Writing" is the antidote to self-help books that preach the idea of fast-writing, finishing a novel a year, and quick revisions. DeSalvo makes a case that more mature writing often develops over a longer period of time and offers tips and techniques to train the creative process in this new experience. DeSalvo describes the work habits of successful writers (among them, Nobel Prize laureates) so that readers can use the information provided to develop their identity as writers and transform their writing lives. It includes anecdotes from classic American and international writers such as John Steinbeck, Henry Miller, Virginia Woolf and D. H. Lawrence as well as contemporary authors such as Michael Chabon, Junot Diaz, Jeffrey Eugenides, Ian McEwan, and Salman Rushdie. DeSalvo skillfully and gently guides writers to not only start their work, but immerse themselves fully in the process and create texts they will treasure. Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 06/30/2014 (EAN 9781250051035, Paperback) - *Starred Review Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2014 (EAN 9781250051035, Paperback) Contributor Bio:  DeSalvo, Louise Louise DeSalvo is a writer, professor, lecturer, and scholar who lives in New Jersey. Her many books include the memoirs "Vertigo, Breathless," and "Adultery"; the acclaimed biography "Virginia Woolf: The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on her Life and Work"; and "Writing as a Way of Healing," She also edited Woolf's early novel "Melymbrosia" and coedited "The Milk of Almonds: Italian American Women Writers on Food and Culture,"