Ursula K. Le Guin: Conversations on Writing

Ursula K. Le Guin, David Naimon

Book cover for Ursula K. Le Guin: Conversations on Writing
Book cover for Ursula K. Le Guin: Conversations on Writing

Ursula K. Le Guin: Conversations on Writing

Ursula K. Le Guin: Conversations on Writing

Ursula K. Le Guin, David Naimon

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Description

When the New York Times referred to Ursula K. Le Guin as America's greatest writer of science fiction, they just might have undersold her legacy. It's hard to look at her vast body of work?novels and stories across multiple genres, poems, translations, essays, speeches, and criticism?and see anything but one of our greatest writers, period.

In a series of interviews with David Naimon (Between the Covers), Le Guin discusses craft, aesthetics, and philosophy in her fiction, poetry, and nonfiction respectively. The discussions provide ample advice and guidance for writers of every level, but also give Le Guin a chance to to sound off on some of her favorite subjects: the genre wars, the patriarchy, the natural world, and what, in her opinion, makes for great writing. With excerpts from her own books and those that she looked to for inspiration, this volume is a treat for Le Guin's longtime readers, a perfect introduction for those first approaching her writing, and a tribute to her incredible life and work.

Critical Reviews

An enlightening conversation about the writing process. Both authors adopt the tone of artisans discussing their craft, and each's delight at debating with a like-minded professional is evident throughout. . . [Le Guin's] expansive knowledge of the SF genre provides, most strikingly, a sharp perspective on how its female practitioners have too often been forgotten in favor of their male contemporaries. Her rapport with Naimon results in an exchange that is both informative and charming.--Publishers Weekly

In her introduction to this volume, Le Guin states that the good interview is a conversation between people who have thought about what they're talking about. That's a perfect description of this thoughtful collection . . . 'What I really like to do, ' Le Guin states, 'is talk shop.' Readers are privileged to listen while she does.--Booklist

Candid and perceptive last words by a treasured writer.--Kirkus

Fueled by Naimon's incisive questions and peppered with excerpts from Le Guin's books, these wide-ranging interviews are a treat for both longtime fans and newcomers to her work.--Shelf Awareness

In this small, beautifully crafted book, the conversations range from style to point of view to genre to why we should use 'they' as singular. . . . Together, Le Guin and Naimon demonstrate engagement at its finest.--World Literature Today

For nuggets of fiery wisdom and plunges into literary form and purpose from the late, great Ursula K. Le Guin, look to Tin House's newly published Conversations on Writing.--Portland Monthly

Publishing Information

Publisher: Tin House Books
Pub date: 2018-04-03
Length: 150 pages

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