Writers on Writing

Authors discuss aspects of their profession including publishers, fame, grammar, plagiarism, work habits, and writer's block

A long-time collector of quotations, Winokur has gathered here an appealing assemblage of wit, wisdom and malice on the art and craft of writing. There are over 1600 pointed comments by writers on such subjects as plagiarism: "Whatever has been well said by anyone is mine" (Seneca). Other writers: "Fraud Madox Fraud" (Sitwell). Literary versus commercial values: "If Thomas Wolfe sold, I'd write like Thomas Wolfe" (Mickey Spillane). And the people who help disseminate their work: "Publishers are demons no doubt about it" (William James). With some 50 subject headings, an index and a short felicitous introduction by Winokur, this makes for elegant literary hors d'oeuvres.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.