In 1969, the world-renowned author Ayn Rand gave a series of informal lectures on the art of nonfiction to a select group of friends and associates. These edited transcripts take the listener step by step through the writing process, providing insightful observations and invaluable techniques along the way.
Rand discusses the psychological aspects of writing and the different roles played by the conscious and subconscious mind. She explains how to select a subject and theme, how to identify your audience, and how to write the first draft. From preparing an outline to mastering an individual writing style, this crucial resource introduces the ideas of one of our most enduring authors to a new generation.
Aspiring—and established—writers of nonfiction will find this guide to creating effective nonfiction invaluable.
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"An excellent resource for writers. Ayn Rand looks at the philosophy of aesthetics, the psychological challenges of writing, and offers a ton of valuable nuggets of wisdom.A very engaging book. And as the subtitle suggests: for readers as well. :) " — Haider (5 out of 5 stars)
"An excellent resource for writers. Ayn Rand looks at the philosophy of aesthetics, the psychological challenges of writing, and offers a ton of valuable nuggets of wisdom.A very engaging book. And as the subtitle suggests: for readers as well. :) "
“Writing is no more difficult a skill than any other, such as engineering. Like every human activity, it requires practice and knowledge. But there is nothing mystical about it. Any person who can speak English grammatically can learn to write nonfiction.”
“Ayn Rand is a writer of great power. She has a subtle and ingenious mind and the capacity of writing brilliantly, beautifully, bitterly.”
“This book is a frank demystification of the writing process.”
“Rand talks knowledgeably and energetically about clarity, selectivity, style, organization, editing, the ‘squirms’ (when writing just won’t flow) and how to beat them: remind yourself that you’re writing for your own pleasure.”
" There is some useful information for writers in this book although Rand's philosophical/political rants sometimes get in the way. "
" I am afraid I consider this book "unreadable". "
" Whether you agree with her or not, Ayn Rand is a master of the written word. Both The Art of Fiction and The Art of Nonfiction are excellent resources for any writer of both genres. "
" Necessary. This book was one of the most powerful writing and reading craft books I have read thus far. Helpful. Insightful. A must read. And then, read it again. It is worth the time and money. "
" The single most important book on writing I have ever read. It changed my writing and my life. "
" Ayn Rand is an excellent teacher. "
" Terry Goodkind told me to buy and read this book. So I did. Now I recommend other writers do the same. Period. "
" I'm not a big fan of Ayn Rand's philosophy, but this book offers a few good insights into fiction writing. "
" Although I don't agree with a lot of her views on fiction, Ayn Rand was a woman ahead of her time. I like how she thoroughly explains her ideas and provides reasoning for them. We need more thinkers like her. "
" Interesting to see an author explain why they made the choices they did and to defend their overall views on literature. "
Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was born in Russia, graduated from the University of Leningrad, and came to the United States in 1926. She published her first novel in 1936. With the publication of The Fountainhead in 1943, she achieved a spectacular and enduring success, and her unique philosophy, Objectivism, gained a worldwide following.
Marguerite Gavin is a seasoned theater veteran, a five-time nominee for the prestigious Audie Award, and the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones and Publishers Weekly awards. She has been an actor, director, and audiobook narrator for her entire professional career. With over four hundred titles to her credit, her narration spans nearly every genre, from nonfiction to mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance, and children’s fiction. AudioFile magazine says, “Marguerite Gavin…has a sonorous voice, rich and full of emotion.”
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