Good Prose the Art of Nonfiction by Tracy Kidder

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First your review of Good Prose: The Art of Nonfiction

January 20, 2013 Jeff Kelleher rated it it was amazing

This short work is not "Everything You Need to Know Nigh Writing." Nor is it a didactic set of rules in the mode of Strunk & White's "The Elements of Style." Fifty-fifty less is it a drove of Miss Grundy's scoldings.

Rather, information technology is a seminar-like rumination by an author and editor, drawn from their forty years of collaboration, on things they deem worth ruminating about. Read information technology during a Sunday afternoon while sipping a beer or a claret and yous will be entertained and enriched.

I will mention just a

This short work is non "Everything You Demand to Know About Writing." Nor is it a didactic prepare of rules in the way of Strunk & White'southward "The Elements of Mode." Even less is it a collection of Miss Grundy's scoldings.

Rather, information technology is a seminar-like rumination by an author and editor, drawn from their 40 years of collaboration, on things they deem worth ruminating nearly. Read it during a Sun afternoon while sipping a beer or a blood and you volition exist entertained and enriched.

I will mention merely a few of the insights that are enriching.

Narrative betoken of view: commencement person or 3rd? Kidder and Todd make explicit what we instinctively understood but could never before express. "The smaller the canvass, the more than intrusive the first person is likely to exist." A big background--travel writing, for instance--makes "I" a suitable point of view. But for close-in, intimate focus, "I" gets in the fashion, and distracts.

"Fact" and "Truth" in not-fiction. The best essay I have e'er seen on this topic.

Begin with "the facts". They considerately exist, and they form the constraint within which the author must function. They must NEVER exist fabricated upwards, or the essence of the art of nonficition has been compromised.

Information technology is cocky-axiomatic that perfect accuracy is not applied. In a ceremonious trial, the standard of proof is "more likely than non." Nosotros promise the non-fiction writer has a higher standard, but in any instance, he must do his best.

"Truth." Equally every philosopher and every trial lawyer knows, "truth" is subjective in the sense that the writer is the intermediary between the copious "facts" and the reader. It is the writer's job to select--to find and convey pregnant. That emphatically does Non hateful that all truths are equal, as many ignorant post-modernists claim.

The authors illustrate with an anecdote from Kidder's chronicle of a twelvemonth spent in a 5th-grade classroom, "Among Children." The about dramatic effect of the year occurred when the teacher lost her temper at a delinquent student. Simply that factually-true episode did not convey the "truth" about the kind and compassionate teacher. So it was omitted from the book, and replaced with another less dramatic one in which she came to empathize a struggling student who had failed to turn in a scientific discipline project.

The subjective nature of truth does not absolve the writer of anything, Kidder and Todd insist. To the reverse, information technology imposes the highest responsibility.

Clarity vs. simplicity. For a lifetime, I have tried to obey Strunk and White'south injunction to "omit needless words." This was fortified by a career of writing courtroom briefs, where crispness is particularly valued. Kidder and Todd likewise treat clarity as the highest virtue, just "clarity doesn't always mean brevity or simplicity." They illustrate with a flavorful meandering just clear passage from Nabokov.

Usage. A delightful brusque essay. Largely a affair of gustation, they concede, but there is good and bad taste. Amid the usages they desire expunged: "going forward" "iconic" "proactive" "low-hanging fruit" "tipping point" "preternatural" "quintessential" "grassroots" "groundswell" "a little assistance from my friends" "brand my 24-hour interval" "it is what it is" "Im just sayin'. "

They do non include my No. 1 candidate for oblivion, the most ignorant, illiterate, and useless locution in modern language: "I was like..." for "I said..." The 2nd edition will include it.

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Jun xvi, 2017 Lauren rated it really liked it

We know that as presently every bit writers begin to tell a story they shape experience and that stories are e'er, at best, partial versions of reality, and thus objectivity is a myth.

This joint endeavor from Pulitzer Prize winning announcer Tracy Kidder and his longtime editor Richard Todd is a groovy guide for writers, and for readers/thinkers. Structured around the three types or nonfiction, the authors devote a chapter to narratives, memoirs, and essays. These grade capacity pull several quotes and exa

We know that equally presently as writers begin to tell a story they shape feel and that stories are ever, at best, fractional versions of reality, and thus objectivity is a myth.

This joint attempt from Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Tracy Kidder and his longtime editor Richard Todd is a great guide for writers, and for readers/thinkers. Structured around the three types or nonfiction, the authors devote a chapter to narratives, memoirs, and essays. These grade chapters pull several quotes and examples, and critical analysis, yet all very readable.

My favorite chapter, "Beingness Edited and Editing", was a fascinating mirror view from both sides of the process. Because these two accept worked together for and so long, they know each other'due south styles so intimately, anticipating edits, styles. It is an intriguing peek into both of their minds.

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Wanna-be writers like me are always looking for good books on good writing. I love Tracy Kidder'due south writing and, if Richard Todd is, indeed, Kidder's long-time editor, then he is also on my Expert Boy list.

So I thus vicious into that sometime trap of Anticipating and Having Expectations that so often disappoints.

I tell you this so yous won't Anticipate and Expect, too.

This is a lovely volume, a lovely story of friendship and learning to work together, and learning to write and learning to edit, simply it is no

Wanna-exist writers like me are always looking for adept books on good writing. I love Tracy Kidder'southward writing and, if Richard Todd is, indeed, Kidder's long-fourth dimension editor, and so he is also on my Proficient Boy list.

And so I thus fell into that old trap of Anticipating and Having Expectations that so oft disappoints.

I tell you this then you won't Anticipate and Await, too.

This is a lovely volume, a lovely story of friendship and learning to work together, and learning to write and learning to edit, but it is non much of a book nigh how to write well. That isn't to say that this book isn't full of ideas near how to write well, but put it down if information technology's an authoritative how-to book that you are seeking. Lots of stories that volition make you lot smile if you've read much Kidder but that's really it.

I'yard going to really be daring here---as I footstep out on a thin limb---and assert that in my (VH) opinion what this book could accept used is a skillful editor. And a improve title.

Merely my 2 cents as a reader. And allow me shut by using an old psychological technique of Blaming the Victim: had this been a better how-to book, perhaps I could now exist writing a better review of this book.

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Wasn't sure what to expect here. In case that'due south the aforementioned for you, it's basically alternate points-of-view: Kidder's story of his life as a writer, aling with observations of Kidder every bit a writer, by his longtime editor/boss, Todd.

Overall, information technology was worthwhile (clearing one of my older TBR items). However, I wasn't a fan of the long italicized sections past Kidder. Todd-on-Kidder didn't interest me as much every bit Todd's last chapter, focusing more on his own story. I'chiliad far from PC, but was a bit overwhel

Wasn't certain what to look hither. In case that'southward the aforementioned for you lot, it'due south basically alternating points-of-view: Kidder's story of his life as a author, aling with observations of Kidder as a writer, by his longtime editor/boss, Todd.

Overall, information technology was worthwhile (clearing one of my older TBR items). However, I wasn't a fan of the long italicized sections by Kidder. Todd-on-Kidder didn't interest me as much as Todd'south final chapter, focusing more on his own story. I'm far from PC, but was a fleck overwhelmed by the "(white) boys' club" thing that was publishing back in the day.

Recommended both for being a production of its fourth dimension, also as the writing communication itself.

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February 09, 2013 Dewitt rated it it was amazing

I enjoyed Kidder-and-Todd's GOOD PROSE: THE ART OF NONFICTION (definitely five stars), where they debate "that the publishing industry is non organized to reward editors who spend a lot of time on books," but I am surprised that they accept nada to say about MFA programs. "A author should try to involve the editor early in the process," they advise. "You don't want a perfunctory interest. Y'all want investment." This sounds to me like Good MFA Mentoring. They also state: "Even those who have exist I enjoyed Kidder-and-Todd'due south Adept PROSE: THE ART OF NONFICTION (definitely five stars), where they argue "that the publishing industry is not organized to advantage editors who spend a lot of time on books," simply I am surprised that they have nothing to say well-nigh MFA programs. "A author should try to involve the editor early in the process," they advise. "You don't desire a perfunctory involvement. You want investment." This sounds to me like Good MFA Mentoring. They also state: "Fifty-fifty those who accept been trained in a language of distance and irony toward everything institutional, and particularly toward authorities, must experience from time to time that at that place is something that justifies thinking in Orwell's terms….writers live most fully when their work moves beyond operation, beyond entertainment or information, across pleasing audience and editor, when it does all that and withal represents their most important beliefs." The emphasis on "pleasing" brings to listen MY Off-white LADY with the writer Eliza Doolittle and the editor Henry Higgins. ...more

Mar 29, 2013 Nathan rated it actually liked information technology

What a hard challenge one sets oneself, when one creates something near the very medium in which ane is working. To requite a lecture on public speaking is to invite criticism. And so besides to write about non-fiction. And how much bigger the target one becomes when one already has a name, such as that of Tracey Kidder whose reputation was established by the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Soul of a New Motorcar". So yeah, this shit meliorate be good.

And it is. Holy crap, Kidder can write. And non simply write pr

What a hard challenge one sets oneself, when one creates something about the very medium in which one is working. To give a lecture on public speaking is to invite criticism. So too to write well-nigh non-fiction. And how much bigger the target i becomes when one already has a name, such as that of Tracey Kidder whose reputation was established past the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Soul of a New Machine". And then yeah, this shit better exist good.

And it is. Holy crap, Kidder tin can write. And not simply write prettily, just with a gentle elegance like a Shaker cabinet. Everything in its place, nothing for ostentation, and in support of something deeper and glorious. Because while you lot might note "gosh, that was well said", information technology's the expert THINKING that'll leave you lot admiring this volume.

How much of the author should one insert? Where's the line betwixt fiction and "reshaping"? What makes the essay course special, withal so difficult? To read "Adept Prose" is to see through the eyes of the author and editor as they make the thousands of decisions, big and small, which shape and create the eventual slice. The topics are brought domicile with references to popular nonfiction pieces from several different decades, and by the exploration of Kidder'south own creative procedure.

Kidder'south had a long and close relationship with his editor (and co-author on this volume), Richard Todd. Their history is slowly revealed, topic by topic, equally the book unfolds and it'south this relationship that left me thinking the most about the book afterward I'd returned it to the shelf. Alcohol, dependency, intrusion, compassion ... a lot of uncommon and unprofessional ingredients merely outputs that are likewise uncommon withal highly professional. Kidder, the young pup crashing thoughtlessly into the elder tweedy editor ... a familiar plenty story, notwithstanding information technology'southward revealed near the end that Todd is only five years older than Kidder! The story of their relationship, the meat of the editorial affiliate, is intriguing, disturbing, and incomplete, and ultimately forms the lingering aftertaste of this fine piece of work.

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Oct 22, 2013 Dawn Lennon rated it it was amazing

I'll admit that I am a die-difficult Tracy Kidder fan and he never disappoints. The fact that he won the Pulitzer Prize in one case and has written several other infrequent books, most categorized as narrative nonfiction, drew me instantly to his new volume with Richard Todd on the art of nonfiction writing. Here I was combing the bookstore shelves for books to expand my own perspectives and approaches on my writing and voila Kidder's volume appears.

This is an advice book non a how to per se. Information technology provides persp

I'll admit that I am a die-hard Tracy Kidder fan and he never disappoints. The fact that he won the Pulitzer Prize in one case and has written several other infrequent books, almost categorized as narrative nonfiction, drew me instantly to his new book with Richard Todd on the fine art of nonfiction writing. Here I was combing the bookstore shelves for books to expand my own perspectives and approaches on my writing and voila Kidder's volume appears.

This is an advice volume non a how to per se. It provides perspectives and tactics for budgeted nonfiction writing of many types: magazine manufactures (considered journalism), memoirs, books, and fifty-fifty blogs. It's a book about how to reach the reader, how to proceeds their trust, how to tell the story without compromising the facts, how to reveal the grapheme of the people written about, and how to create and sustain vocalisation. Information technology's beautifully enriched past wonderful prose examples by the greats.

Even though Kidder and Todd declare information technology'due south a book almost nonfiction, at that place certain was a lot that fiction writers would do good from. Whatever it takes to build the story, characters, fourth dimension frame/flow, and vocalisation in narrative nonfiction is role and package of fiction.

The authors lift the veil on issues around editing and the publishing business, sharing their long history together working at The Atlantic Monthly and writing books. The reader is entranced by their stories of growth as writers, particularly Kidder's which frequently make yous express joy or cringe, the impulse to gather, draft, edit and edit and edit. It depicts the essence of a positive author/editor relationship (Todd was Kidder's editor, mentor, and sounding board.)

Needless to say the book is beautifully written, a smooth and engaging read, and a condolement to every author who faces the pain and the elation that is part of the process.

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Skilful Prose is an unconventional writing guide. I wouldn't even phone call it a writing guide, it's more than of a memoir of a writing team, a writer and editor who have been working together longer than the age of well-nigh readers of this volume. Tracy Kidder, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and Richard Todd, a preeminent editor and a former executive editor of The Atlantic Monthly, have worked on numerous writing projects over their twoscore years together, including Kidder's award-winning book The Soul of a New Good Prose is an unconventional writing guide. I wouldn't even call it a writing guide, information technology'south more than of a memoir of a writing team, a author and editor who have been working together longer than the age of most readers of this book. Tracy Kidder, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and Richard Todd, a preeminent editor and a former executive editor of The Atlantic Monthly, accept worked on numerous writing projects over their 40 years together, including Kidder's laurels-winning book The Soul of a New Motorcar. There is no question that Kidder and Todd are masters of the nonfiction form, but equally a voracious reader of writing guides, I found Proficient Prose to lack the consequent guidance and mentorship provided in other well-established guides such as Natalie Goldberg'due south Writing Downwardly the Basic, Stephen Rex's On Writing, William Zinsser's On Writing Well, John Gardner's On Condign a Novelist, or my favorite, Norman Mailer's The Chilling Art.

This is not to say that in that location are not helpful chapters on writing nonfiction. In Beginnings, their beginning chapter, the authors innovate themselves with the following truism: To write is to talk to strangers. You want them to trust you. There are useful suggestions hither. The side by side affiliate is a study of each component of the narrative: story, point of view, characters and structure. In their give-and-take of story, a bespeak of focus is the concept of revelation. The writer and reader must learn something in a nonfiction narrative. Revelation is what transforms an event into a story. For characters, I found this to be most helpful: give telling details (mere clarification won't vivify a statue).

The authors devote a affiliate each to memoirs and essays. Simply those are the merely two forms they devote exclusive chapters to. For memoir, they share key tips: say difficult things, stick to the facts and be harder on yourself than others. For essays, a fresh idea is merely as important as the essay itself, and you must brand information technology your ain. In their editing chapter, they stress the importance of rewriting, and what a privilege information technology is to go a 2d chance to brand a first impression. Kidder says he mostly rewrites a volume 10 times, top to bottom. And that it takes about 3 years for him to consummate a book. At the end of the editing process, they read their entire volume aloud. Yes, the whole affair. This can take three days. Intermixed between their writing tips are long philosophical narratives of their own personal experiences.

At that place is great content here from true veterans in the field. And if you are seeking to fine-tune your craft, it'southward worth the read. But oddly enough, I call back the book could have used some more than editing. The memoir parts didn't seem to fuse with the writing-guide parts. Also, I found the tone to exist too detached; I sensed that the authors felt a sort of pity for the emerging writer. The voice almost sounded like my offset journalism professor at Northwestern who always seemed to talk downward to the student. The tone isn't terribly encouraging for the new writer, merely peradventure that'south not what it'due south supposed to be. Writing guides are unremarkably written with a lot of personality and enthusiasm, unless you are reading Strunk and White'south The Elements of Style. Actually, Good Prose is compared to that classic. Just who wants to exist reading Strunk and White on a Sat night by the fireplace?

Better to read it at the library, or at your desk with a highlighter and a lot of patience. And don't wait much cheerleading.

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I found more to agree with than disagree with here and I liked the interplay between a author (Tracy Kidder) and his life-long editor (Richard Todd). The editor/writer human relationship is a foreign and intimate thing; difficult to describe to people who oasis't lived it. Readers of this book should know -- if the authors haven't made it perfectly clear -- that Kidder and Todd worked under rarefied and practically extinct circumstances. They have a lot to tell u.s. nearly the art of nonfiction, just noth I found more to agree with than disagree with here and I liked the interplay betwixt a writer (Tracy Kidder) and his life-long editor (Richard Todd). The editor/writer relationship is a foreign and intimate thing; difficult to draw to people who haven't lived it. Readers of this book should know -- if the authors haven't made it perfectly clear -- that Kidder and Todd worked under rarefied and practically extinct circumstances. They have a lot to tell us about the fine art of nonfiction, just nothing of the haste of producing nonfiction today, because they've never known haste, and information technology seems they hold hurriers (i.e., people on deadlines) apart in a dissimilar and (as I took information technology) less regarded space. Merely about everyone currently employed in writing and editing nonfiction today (from the Atlantic and New Yorker on down to the constantly-refreshed blogs) has a very different experience of working and the writing life than these two men ever did.

I liked the last two chapters best -- one, "Art and Commerce," about how a writer comes to regard himself or herself and his or her work, the emotional lows involved in comparison oneself to others, the lessons contained in tepid responses, bad reviews, etc. And the affiliate after that, (chapter 8) about being edited (as a writer) and being the editor, imparts some significant lessons about how to handle that relationship from either end. When I finished the volume, my main impression was that nigh people who read "Practiced Prose" will never experience the sort of deep-editing human relationship these two men enjoyed. I count myself very lucky to have known and worked with people who edited my work with such skill and, for the most office, excellent bedside manners.

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Oct 10, 2012 James Sorensen rated it really liked it

Disclaimer: I won this volume as part of the Goodreads starting time-read program.

On i level this book is an instructional transmission on how to write and edit non-fiction books and magazine articles. Kidder and Todd break downwards how to create non-friction prose step-by-step, from inception to finished product. This is a view of what a well organized team of editor and writer can achieve when they piece of work hard together. It will assistance the new writers starting out, simply will also help the established writers understa

Disclaimer: I won this book as part of the Goodreads showtime-read program.

On 1 level this book is an instructional manual on how to write and edit not-fiction books and mag manufactures. Kidder and Todd break down how to create not-friction prose stride-by-step, from inception to finished product. This is a view of what a well organized team of editor and writer can attain when they work hard together. Information technology will help the new writers starting out, simply volition also help the established writers understand the role the editor can have in their career. This book requite a wealthy of good communication.

Nevertheless, on a second more important level, this volume is a memoir. It is the story of two men, Tracy Kidder and Richard Todd, that take grown together as a team of prose creators. This volume gives an in depth look at their professional person relationship from it'southward early on outset and follows information technology'south development into friendship and a well run unit of measurement. Skilful Prose is a volume that tin can exist enjoyed by any reader interested in the artistic process. We get a view of how non-fiction begins at the thought level and, through the editing process,ends upward a finished, publishable product. We get to look into the minds of these 2 men and see how a expert team can create something then magical as a well written book and see why non-fiction tin be as as entertaining as fiction.

A very thoughtful, enjoyable and educational read for any ane who truly loves the creative process. Plus it makes me want to choice up more books written by both men.

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Apr ten, 2018 Courtney rated it really liked information technology

I program to purchase this every bit a writing reference. I would prefer they used more than examples from sources who are not white males, but the communication and education provided here is valuable.

Jun 27, 2013 Kathy Davie rated information technology really liked it

It'southward as Kidder says on the cover: "Stories and advice from a lifetime of writing and editing".

My Take

Kidder says "it is essential just that at that place exist something important at stake, a trouble that confronts the characters or confronts the reader in trying to empathise them. The unfolding of the trouble and its resolution are the real payoff. A car chase is non required."

While it's aimed primarily at writers of nonfiction, it'due south worth reading for anyone interested in writing whether it's fiction, no

Information technology's as Kidder says on the cover: "Stories and communication from a lifetime of writing and editing".

My Take

Kidder says "it is essential only that there exist something of import at pale, a problem that confronts the characters or confronts the reader in trying to understand them. The unfolding of the problem and its resolution are the real payoff. A car chase is not required."

While it's aimed primarily at writers of nonfiction, it's worth reading for anyone interested in writing whether it's fiction, nonfiction, or simply a coincidental history. It's something of an autobiography on Kidder, dipping into highlights and depression points of how he began writing, how he continued with Todd's aid as an editor, their friendship, and using his own published works to demonstrate stumbling blocks he encountered.

Forth the manner, he touches on starting your book, what goes into a volume with narratives, points-of-view, settings that "tell what is at issue---what a graphic symbol is trying to practise, what a character fears or is trying to hide, hopes to gain or stands to lose, what a graphic symbol is up against." The cautions and concerns of writing memoirs and essays.

There'southward an astonishing analysis of how describing Miss Brooke's appearance provides a wealth of background information. Kidder then provides a counter to this wealth with his "telling details" with but a few words---and each appeals to me.

"…if yous described non the wart just how the character covers it when he's nervous."

I dear how Kidder wants united states of america to "expect for the moment when we need to know her age … as a potentially significant fact".

Painting an image of someone for "a volume or a detailed and subtle magazine pice to portraying a human existence, you are hoping that the reader volition

Information technology's a different definition for POV every bit "the place from which a writer listens in and watches. Choosing one place over another determines what can and can't be seen, what minds can and can't be entered" with "the choice … affecting the tone, the author's apparent attitude toward the events and people of a story…" "A identify to stand up … a way to retrieve and experience."

"The world for the nonfiction writer is non a kit full of incessantly interesting parts waiting to exist assembled, a garden of flowers waiting to be picked and arranged."

And, yes, Kidder does address what he calls the "New Vernacular", the contemporary prose of the Cyberspace including, LOL, the OMG, "whatever", "duh", and more than as he slides into "Institutionalese" "concealing more it reveals", metaphors, similes, and the dreaded clichés.

Kidder also touches on the marketing writers are told they must do from branding to platforms to volume proposals to marketing plans, merely the most practical advice is to think as a author while writing the book and to run into the writing as a commodity, a product when information technology's published.

Ooh, I liked this one too…"Write the way you talk on your all-time twenty-four hour period. Write the way y'all would similar to talk."

The Encompass
The embrace is clever as an erstwhile wooden desk with a deep umber background with three hardcover books stacked end-on to us with the authors' names floating on height of the pages. They're well-used books with bookmarks, a loose page, and well-worn corners. I like the metaphor of the red pencil lying on tiptop.

Every discussion of the title, the sub-title, and the tagline are to the point, equally it's all about Practiced Prose: The Art of Nonfiction.

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Jul 17, 2018 Andy rated it information technology was ok

I've enjoyed several of Tracy Kidder's books and heard him give a very interesting talk nigh his writing methods, so I had high hopes for this, just was somewhat disappointed. He makes a big deal early on how the not-fiction writer "can't pass off invention every bit facts" but then praises Boo's Backside the Beautiful Forevers, which does exactly that. I don't get it, peculiarly for current events type reporting, not memoir or essay or whatever.
At that place are still proficient tidbits of advice. My favorite was I've enjoyed several of Tracy Kidder's books and heard him give a very interesting talk about his writing methods, so I had high hopes for this, but was somewhat disappointed. He makes a large deal early on how the non-fiction writer "tin can't pass off invention equally facts" just then praises Boo's Behind the Beautiful Forevers, which does exactly that. I don't get information technology, particularly for electric current events type reporting, not memoir or essay or whatever.
There are however good tidbits of advice. My favorite was
"Revelation, someone's learning something, is what transforms outcome into story."
He lists numerous other books on writing including:
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Dec 26, 2012 Jackie rated it liked it

This is about the art of writing non-fiction, written by the long fourth dimension duo of Tracy Kidder (a Pulitzer Prize winner) and his long suffering and brilliant editor, Richard Todd. While it'due south best suited to writers, as an gorging reader, I found this insiders wait into a arts and crafts that I greatly adore only cannot hope to endeavor my paw at extremely interesting. These guys have decades of stories to tell, and enough of wisdom to share. Many of the books they have mentioned in this book of theirs accept now been a This is about the art of writing non-fiction, written past the long fourth dimension duo of Tracy Kidder (a Pulitzer Prize winner) and his long suffering and brilliant editor, Richard Todd. While it'southward all-time suited to writers, every bit an avid reader, I plant this insiders await into a craft that I greatly admire but cannot hope to try my hand at extremely interesting. These guys have decades of stories to tell, and plenty of wisdom to share. Many of the books they have mentioned in this book of theirs take now been added to my TBR list too. ...more

Jul 07, 2014 Annie rated it it was amazing

1 of the near helpful books I've ever read on non-fiction, artistic writing. The authors are a author and editor team who worked for years and talked for years on good writing. Definitely will be referencing this book over again. Ane of the most helpful books I've ever read on non-fiction, creative writing. The authors are a writer and editor team who worked for years and talked for years on skilful writing. Definitely will exist referencing this book over again. ...more than

Jan 13, 2021 A. _____ rated information technology actually liked information technology

Skilful Prose is a proficient book on non-fiction writing and an excellent book on the human relationship between Kidder and Todd.

As someone who had bully working relationships with her peers (though never a boss!) I appreciated reading about their collaboration and friendship. The chapter on editing and being edited is both insightful and delightful.

This is not a how-to book or a strict guide on what and when to write. It reads like an interesting (and often humorous) podcast on writing by ii people very

Skillful Prose is a good volume on non-fiction writing and an excellent book on the relationship betwixt Kidder and Todd.

As someone who had neat working relationships with her peers (though never a boss!) I appreciated reading about their collaboration and friendship. The chapter on editing and beingness edited is both insightful and delightful.

This is not a how-to volume or a strict guide on what and when to write. It reads like an interesting (and often humorous) podcast on writing by two people very familiar with each other'due south work. I appreciate that they pull from their own experiences and that they maintain split up voices and identities throughout, so we know who is giving the advice and how they arrived at information technology.

The book deals more often than not with broader issues with nonfiction (construction, fact, truth, manner) and not the smaller land narrower concerns of commas and semicolons. But the terminal chapter has notes on discussion usage, and here are two of my favourites:

"Confusion between "lie" and "lay". Emerson was fighting the battle 150 years ago, and naught has inverse. "Lie" is transitive, "lay" intransitive. "I prevarication down." "I lay my trunk down." Fifty-fifty in speech communication, one should get this right. Remember Bob Dylan's lyric: "Lay, lady, lay, lay beyond my big brass bed." Remember information technology because information technology's wrong, even though it is sexier his manner."

"Who" and "whom" confusion. In speech ane tin can always utilise "who" when in doubt. It is better to exist wrong and informal than wrong and pompous."

Good Prose is well written, like shooting fish in a barrel to read, insightful, and it is never total of its own importance. Phillip Lopate's To Evidence and to Tell: The Arts and crafts of Literary NonfictionTo Show and to Tell is perhaps more useful than this book, but Skillful Prose makes a fine improver to whatever "books about writing" shelf.

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May 06, 2019 Nicky Lim rated information technology did not like it

Gave upward the book at 43%. What a wearisome read. No wonder it only retails for $5 on the Kindle shop.

The writer beats around the bush and doesn't explain his points conspicuously. Even after reading iii pages, I have no thought what he is trying to say.

Supposedly a volume on how to write well. I gauge information technology's ironic that it is such a bad read. Perhaps I'm just a poor audience that isn't cut out for the world of good literature, and therefore tin't appreciate this book. Welp.

Gave up the book at 43%. What a boring read. No wonder it merely retails for $5 on the Kindle store.

The author beats effectually the bush-league and doesn't explain his points clearly. Fifty-fifty after reading three pages, I take no idea what he is trying to say.

Supposedly a book on how to write well. I guess information technology'southward ironic that it is such a bad read. Perhaps I'm just a poor audience that isn't cutting out for the world of good literature, and therefore can't capeesh this volume. Welp.

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Well written prose on writing prose, the main thing I took away from reading this is that an author needs a proficient editor, and an editor must need a whole lot of patience. Aside from the writing advice alot of other not-fiction authors are mentioned along with some interesting books I plan to look for.

Dec 31, 2021 Lecy Beth rated information technology really liked it

This book was packed full of helpful data most how to make skilful prose, in all its forms. I am definitely going to need a physical copy of this for my writing bookshelf.

Kidder and Todd but together a book about writing non-fiction. It goes over several types of non-fiction although I am non sure if the sectionalization is needed as some of the advice is capable of being used for any course of non-fiction or even fiction. I've read better. I've read worse. Kidder and Todd simply together a volume about writing non-fiction. It goes over several types of not-fiction although I am not sure if the sectionalization is needed as some of the advice is capable of being used for any form of non-fiction or even fiction. I've read improve. I've read worse. ...more than

Jul 08, 2013 Matthew rated information technology it was astonishing

Cursory Summary: Ii friends, a writer and his editor, talk most what makes expert writing, and in doing and then they present an intimate view into why writers beloved what they do.

The Tsundoku Scale: Tiptop of the Pile, 9 out of 10.

The Good:
This is not a book I would have ever chosen without a recommendation, but it is a book I am truly grateful to take read. Good Prose is the starting time true chat I accept ever seen in book grade. It flows, like a conversation between two quondam friends that begins at i poin

Cursory Summary: Two friends, a author and his editor, talk about what makes good writing, and in doing so they present an intimate view into why writers dear what they do.

The Tsundoku Scale: Height of the Pile, 9 out of 10.

The Proficient:
This is not a book I would take always chosen without a recommendation, but it is a book I am truly grateful to have read. Expert Prose is the outset true conversation I have ever seen in book class. It flows, like a conversation between 2 old friends that begins at one betoken and slowly climbs the mountain of continued ideas to cease at another higher point where ane can survey the land that they have climbed, and shake their head in amazement at how they've gotten so far. The book begins as a book supposedly on style and grammar, but information technology ends up being part essay/memoir, using "proficient prose" to take a deeper expect into the writer's connexion to writing. I love the aboveboard, funny stories that sprout throughout the narrative from how Tracy Kidder one time spent almost half a year writing one paper article considering The Atlantic thought it was too terrible to publish, to how Kidder and Richard Todd take a ritual of reading the entire most complete book as part of their editing procedure. This is not in anyways a grammer lesson (although yous practise learn a lot about grammer); this is a memoir on writing and I have never enjoyed more learning how to write, or more exactly (as the book truly seems to exist getting at), learning how to see the inner joy in writing.

The Bad:
I admittedly loved this volume, and it certainly continued with me, but I am not really sure how much it's actually a volume. This is the kind of book ane can but write when one's been established, and all the rules of what kind of book sells goes out the window. Good Prose goes from grammer rules, to essays on writing style, to memoirs without much order that I tin come across—and while, equally I said before, it grows like a conversation (which I enjoyed), it may be hard or frustrating for some to read. As well, information technology is often unclear whether it is Kidder or Todd that is speaking at certain points in the book, which makes it harder to truly appreciate each's ain unique character. The one part that I really did non like in the book, nevertheless, was that it went to a list of boring grammer rules at the very end. As I said before, this is not by any means a grammar book, and it was annoying, and a piffling disappointing, to see the authors endeavour to force the book'southward flow dorsum to where it started in the stop of the book.

Please check out TsundokuReviews.wordpress.com for more than neat reviews!

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December 18, 2012 Rebecca Reid rated it really liked it

Good Prose: The Fine art of Nonfiction by Tracy Kidder and Richard Todd (Random House, January 2013) is a volume about what makes nonfiction great. Using their own experiences as a writer of nonfiction (Tracy Kidder, bestselling writer) and an editor of creative nonfiction (Richard Todd, Atlantic editor), the two friends provide a compelling tale of what makes skilful writing good, and what makes a good writer a good writer, covering everything from how to begin and how to construction a narrative to the k Good Prose: The Fine art of Nonfiction by Tracy Kidder and Richard Todd (Random Business firm, January 2013) is a volume about what makes nonfiction corking. Using their own experiences as a writer of nonfiction (Tracy Kidder, bestselling author) and an editor of creative nonfiction (Richard Todd, Atlantic editor), the 2 friends provide a compelling tale of what makes good writing skilful, and what makes a good writer a good writer, roofing everything from how to begin and how to structure a narrative to the more complicated specifics of memoirs, essays, style, and writing as job in today'due south lodge.

I in one case again had the disadvantage of never having read the authors who wrote this book, but it did not impact my enjoyment of it. I loved their discussions of the of import aspects of story, betoken of view, how to discuss characters, and how to construction a creative nonfiction work.

I really bask reading nonfiction that is well done, and then I enjoyed reading Kidder and Todd's look at what makes it so. When I finished reading it at the beginning of January, I felt much more enthusiastic than I do at present, almost a month after the fact. Was it a forgettable volume, or have the past weeks of family flu and other distractions simply dimmed my retentivity of the experience of reading it? I don't know, just since I have it on my shelf, I may revisit it again in the time to come to see what I think nigh information technology after I read some more compelling nonfiction.

Note: I received a free copy of Good Prose from the publisher via LibraryThing'due south Early Reviewers program.

More than On my blog

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Jul 08, 2017 Frank Stein rated it really liked it

It's no surprise that this is a well-written book, filled with expert examples and valuable advice. Similar many books most writing well, information technology has the added benefit of helping one read with insight. More atypically, this book likewise contains some useful thoughts about the increasingly forgotten process of editing and being edited.

Tracy Kidder, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and his longtime editor at the Atlantic Mag, Richard Todd, describe the process of writing nonfiction narratives, essays, and memoi

It'due south no surprise that this is a well-written book, filled with good examples and valuable advice. Like many books about writing well, it has the added benefit of helping one read with insight. More atypically, this book also contains some useful thoughts about the increasingly forgotten process of editing and beingness edited.

Tracy Kidder, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and his longtime editor at the Atlantic Magazine, Richard Todd, draw the process of writing nonfiction narratives, essays, and memoirs. Each has its ain rules, but each requires like judgements. They show the real difficulty of such writing is not in the commas or gerunds, but in the overall structure of the piece. One of their constant refrains is the necessity of keeping "some things big and some things minor," of ever remembering that every written line must keep to the proportions and purpose of the story. They as well emphasize the value of articulate chronology if at all possible. They hash out how the writer should present themselves, in a articulate first person or in limited third person modes or in an omniscient mode. Their ultimate virtue, and their ultimate goal equally a author and an editor, is clarity. The reader is always flailing, so the author must constantly be their guide. As the Anthony Trollope quote that prefaces the book says, "Our doctrine is, that the writer and the reader should motion forth in full confidence with each other."

Like most writing books, this one makes writing seem a daunting job, one that brings more heartache and headache than just near any other occupation. Information technology also makes the task seem heady and worthwhile.

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May 03, 2013 Meredith rated it really liked it

I started reading this book in one location and finished information technology in some other. Shortly subsequently starting it, I anticipated that it was going to be a "fun read," since I recognized many lessons as existing in some class in other books I've read. This assumption misled me into thinking I could read the book for enjoyment alone. I read at to the lowest degree one-fourth of the book that mode and then put it down while I inverse my location (from FL to ME).

In Maine, I picked the book up once again, just my bookmark had fallen out. Wh

I started reading this book in i location and finished it in another. Soon afterward starting it, I anticipated that information technology was going to exist a "fun read," since I recognized many lessons equally existing in some form in other books I've read. This assumption misled me into thinking I could read the volume for enjoyment lone. I read at least one-fourth of the book that way and so put it down while I changed my location (from FL to ME).

In Maine, I picked the book up again, merely my bookmark had fallen out. When I couldn't identify my identify, I started reading over again from the commencement, this time more carefully. This time I picked upward on the nuances that differentiate this volume from annihilation I thought I'd read before. Now finished, I count fifty-four pasty flags by sentences and paragraphs I will revisit for reassurance, for laughs, for rethinking, for reminding.

Having experienced both the editing life and the writing life, I enjoyed identifying with both authors (Kidder and Todd) throughout the book, sometimes positively, sometimes negatively, but always strongly. They have had an unusual (every bit Todd notes, perhaps unique) writing/editing human relationship, and the evidence of that, both in what they choose to say and how they say it, makes their book special indeed.

Why four stars, not five? I acknowledge to being torn, and worry that a writer'south and/or an editor'south snit is working inside me to forestall calculation that last star. But maybe it's more serious, more justifiable than a snit. I oasis't read others' reviews all the same, and doing so will assist me effigy this out. In any event, a very proficient book!

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Apr 27, 2013 Rose rated it liked information technology

A quick review for a quick read. My e-copy for "Practiced Prose" was virtually 149 pages and while it was brief, the read itself didn't experience that fashion as it was packed with experiences narrated between writer Tracy Kidder and his editor Richard Todd. I wouldn't say this is a traditional "guide" to writing, only rather a reflection of the experiences, narratives perused, and knowledge that the 2 have on sure dimensions of writing not-fiction in any realm. Whether it's starting a particular narrative, r A quick review for a quick read. My due east-re-create for "Good Prose" was about 149 pages and while it was brief, the read itself didn't feel that way as it was packed with experiences narrated between author Tracy Kidder and his editor Richard Todd. I wouldn't say this is a traditional "guide" to writing, merely rather a reflection of the experiences, narratives perused, and noesis that the 2 have on sure dimensions of writing non-fiction in any realm. Whether it's starting a particular narrative, researching, bringing personal stories to the page via character and identify, writing an essay, or getting downwardly to the bare basic and editing to an extent, Kidder and Todd examine these in some terms through the narrative. I'll admit it wasn't as deep as I was expecting, and at times, the number of references and the nature of the prose itself bogged downwardly the catamenia of the piece of work a fiddling more than than I would've liked. Withal, I found it a valuable read, and it was most certainly worth taking a look at not just some of the narratives they reference in text (some references to Kidder's own work, including one I've read before - "Mountains Beyond Mountains"), but also worth looking into what works they reference every bit helpful guides to writing in general.

Overall: iii/5

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Nov 12, 2014 Cindy Rollins rated it actually liked information technology

I enjoyed reading the dorsum and forth between writer and editor that went on in this volume. It gave me a peak at how the process works sometimes.

Equally I writer I appreciated Mr. Todd's(editor)acknowledgement that to alter the words himself is to modify the vocalisation. I often blench when reading something that I take written that has had the wording change. The alter is almost e'er awkward and Todd explains why. Rather he offers more of a give and take approach to his authors. This procedure seems to t

I enjoyed reading the back and along between writer and editor that went on in this volume. It gave me a peak at how the process works sometimes.

As I writer I appreciated Mr. Todd'south(editor)acknowledgement that to change the words himself is to modify the voice. I often cringe when reading something that I have written that has had the wording alter. The change is almost always awkward and Todd explains why. Rather he offers more of a give and take approach to his authors. This process seems to take time something nosotros seem unable to stop for these days.

I have never been fond of editors merely even I have noticed that the Kindle publishing world is degrading the tone of language. Turns out editors are useful afterwards all. Perchance not in the office I imagined they imagined for themselves just certainly in the role that Mr. Todd prescribes for himself.

I also found the disturbing process Mr. Kidder puts himself through enlightening. Writing is difficult work.

My own writing seems to be more than of the off the gage weblog blazon but I would love to see what would happen if I began to tediously rewrite.

This book as well fabricated me want to read more works that take been tediously rewritten.

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Sep 28, 2012 Debra rated it really liked it

Thanks to Random Firm for providing a review copy via the Goodreads Offset Read programme.

I enjoyed this book very much. I don't think I would telephone call this a writing guide, it is more a memoir of two friends who met through writing. 1 became a well-known author and the other was already a respected editor and afterwards a author likewise. I enjoyed the interaction between Kidder and Todd as they recounted their professional person and personal lives over the past 40 years. I besides enjoyed reading about the en

Give thanks you to Random House for providing a review copy via the Goodreads Beginning Read plan.

I enjoyed this book very much. I don't think I would call this a writing guide, it is more a memoir of two friends who met through writing. One became a well-known writer and the other was already a respected editor and later a writer besides. I enjoyed the interaction betwixt Kidder and Todd as they recounted their professional and personal lives over the past 40 years. I besides enjoyed reading nigh the environment of the Atlantic Monthly in those years. I would love to learn that the offices are nevertheless housed in a Bostonian mansion, but I fear those days are long gone.

The authors exercise provide pertinent communication for writers and I plan to read this book again for that content. This fourth dimension I read for the pure enjoyment of a good read.

Well worth reading. A fine contribution to the literature of both writing, editing, and friendship.

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A very, very high-level overview of what it takes to write nonfiction well. If I wanted to create an activity plan, this wouldn't exist the book to help. But it's well-considered and nicely written, and there are unabridged passages that are truly profound. Here's one of just i of my favorite passages (and I highlighted many):

"The economy of words is a wondrous system. Language is free and bachelor to all in limitless quantities, an utterly autonomous commodity. But as shortly as yous aid yourself to thi

A very, very loftier-level overview of what information technology takes to write nonfiction well. If I wanted to create an action plan, this wouldn't be the volume to aid. But it'south well-considered and nicely written, and at that place are entire passages that are truly profound. Hither'due south one of just one of my favorite passages (and I highlighted many):

"The economy of words is a wondrous system. Language is free and available to all in limitless quantities, an utterly democratic commodity. Only as presently equally you assistance yourself to this bounty you tin brainstorm to merchandise in your ain identity. A swell bargain of common language is borrowered without much idea from a part of the culture which may or may not represent the writer, a civilisation with which the writer may or may not want to exist allied. Use enough words wantonly and you disappear before your own eyes. Utilise them well and you create yourself. This is why writers must own their language. Own your language or information technology will ain you."

SNAP Back!

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Jul 03, 2013 Caroline Bock rated information technology information technology was amazing

Recommends it for: New and Established Writers

I simply finished a new book about writing, GOOD PROSE: The Art of Nonfiction by Tracy Kidder and his editor Richard Todd. This is worth a read for new writers and more established ones. Some of its gems include a chapter on point of view in artistic nonfiction also as a chapter on "Existence Edited and Editing." The work ends with an insightful affiliate on usage and grammar, which includes a warning confronting medical, political and digital age clichés including my own pet peeve—employ of "mega" and "gig I just finished a new book about writing, Good PROSE: The Art of Nonfiction by Tracy Kidder and his editor Richard Todd. This is worth a read for new writers and more established ones. Some of its gems include a chapter on point of view in creative nonfiction besides equally a chapter on "Being Edited and Editing." The work ends with an insightful chapter on usage and grammar, which includes a warning confronting medical, political and digital age clichés including my own pet peeve—utilise of "mega" and "giga" and "nano" as prefixes.

The back and forth between the writer and the editor is what delighted this writer the most. Nosotros live inside our heads as writers and good editors help us have what's inside out – freely, unwieldy at times, wildly at other times. More at world wide web.carolinebock.com

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I wouldn't necessarily telephone call this an instructional book on writing as much equally a memoir telling the story and providing anecdotes/helpful hints from two people who worked so closely together every bit writer and editor. In particular, the last chapter, "Beingness Edited and Editing," was personally satisfying to hear them talk about the long, hard hours (weeks/months/years) that both of them put into a piece of piece of work in their respective roles and how their process had transformed over time. I'd recommend this I wouldn't necessarily call this an instructional book on writing as much as a memoir telling the story and providing anecdotes/helpful hints from two people who worked and then closely together equally writer and editor. In particular, the final chapter, "Being Edited and Editing," was personally satisfying to hear them talk about the long, hard hours (weeks/months/years) that both of them put into a piece of piece of work in their corresponding roles and how their process had transformed over fourth dimension. I'd recommend this to whatsoever author simply for the unproblematic fact that it illustrates that we don't toil lone in, as they joked nearly in the book, "the terribly solitary business" of writing. ...more

Tracy Kidder is an American author and Vietnam State of war veteran. Kidder may be all-time known, especially within the calculating customs, for his Pulitzer Prize-winning The Soul of a New Machine, an business relationship of the development of Data General'southward Eclipse/MV minicomputer. The book typifies his distinctive style of research. He began following the project at its inception and, in improver to interviews, spent c Tracy Kidder is an American writer and Vietnam State of war veteran. Kidder may be best known, especially inside the computing community, for his Pulitzer Prize-winning The Soul of a New Machine, an account of the development of Data General's Eclipse/MV minicomputer. The book typifies his distinctive style of research. He began following the project at its inception and, in addition to interviews, spent considerable time observing the engineers at piece of work and outside of information technology. Using this perspective he was able to produce a more textured portrait of the development procedure than a purely retrospective study might.

Kidder followed up with Business firm, in which he chronicles the blueprint and construction of the honor-winning Souweine House in Amherst, Massachusetts. House reads like a novel, just it is based on many hours of research with the architect, builders, clients, in-laws, and other interested parties.

In 2003, Kidder too published Mountains Across Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure The World afterward a risk see with Paul Farmer. The book was held to wide critical acclaim and became a New York Times bestseller. The actor Edward Norton has claimed it was one of the books which has had a profound influence on him.

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