Synopsis
How to turn life into honest fiction and drama without sentimentality
A seasoned writer explains how true art honors life without clinging to sentiment. This guide argues that the artist’s job is to record what is, not what ought to be, and to resist easy temptations toward falsehood or cynicism. It also explores the practical side of creating for stage and page, including how to manage the craft alongside business realities.
The author argues that there is no single “conscious process” for turning life into art; instead, it lies in choosing an illusion of truth and avoiding self-deception. It also delves into the differences between writing novels and plays, and why technique on the stage can be more approachable than commonly believed.
- Why sentimentality harms art and how to stay true to the illusion of truth
- Practical thoughts on writing for both novels and plays, without sacrificing originality
- Insights into the relationship between artists, publishers, managers, and agents
- Guidance on balancing creative work with the realities of the literary market
Ideal for writers, playwrights, and readers curious about the craft behind honest storytelling.
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About the Author
Arnold Bennett is famous for his realistic novels about the Five Towns - the 'Five Towns' being the pottery towns of his youth. His virtuosity as a writer was his manner of depicting simple things and ordinary people in an intriguing way for the readers. He has a warm and kind understanding for his characters, particularly when describing the intricate details of their dreary routine lives. (Enoch) Arnold Bennett was born in Hanley, Staffordshire, in 1867. Arnold followed his father into the legal profession but at the age of 21, he decided to leave his father's firm and moved to London and worked as a solicitor's clerk. He won a literary competition in ""Tit Bits"" magazine in 1889 and in 1893 became assistant editor of the journal, Woman. He published his first essentially autobiographical novel The Man from the North in 1898. His best work is contained in his novels of the 'Five Towns' which include Anna of the Five Towns (1902), The Old Wives' Tale (1908), Clayhanger (1910), The Card (1911), Hilda Lessways (1911) and These Twain (1916). During the First World War, he became Director of Propaganda at the War Ministry. He refused a knighthood in 1918. In 1926, he began writing an influential weekly article on books for the Evening Standard newspaper.
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The Author's Craft (Classic Reprint)
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book on craft and technique, from the novelist and playwright Arnold Bennett, offers an engaging guide to the genesis of writing from the quirks of the imagination through to the finished result. Bennett's foundational premise is that writing in its various forms is rooted in keen observation of humanity and the world around us. By seeing and experiencing life directly, the writer can then transmit their vision through storytelling. Broken into three parts, Bennett examines the unique demands and advantages of novels, plays, and their creators, using examples from history and contemporary works to illustrate his points. Tackling the practicalities of writing itself, the author underscores the importance of technique in a writer's ability to create compelling work, though this technique should always serve the story and never become its focus. Providing insight into the minds, methods, and motivations of writers, this book is an insightful and engaging guide for those interested in writing or the art of storytelling itself. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781451005769_0
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The Author's Craft Classic Reprint
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781451005769
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The Author's Craft Classic Reprint
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The Author's Craft (Classic Reprint)
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Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 144 pages. 9.00x6.00x0.33 inches. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # zk1451005768
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