Elizabeth McCracken's 'A Long Game' challenges the conventional wisdom on writing a novel by embracing a more unconventional approach. In a bold move, she rejects the typical tropes and guidelines often touted as essential for crafting a successful book, instead opting for a refreshing dose of candor and unapologetic honesty.
With her debut craft book, McCracken sets out to shake off the saccharine tone and formulaic advice that has become synonymous with creative writing workshops. She doesn't mince words, instead choosing to skewer the clichés that have come to define the industry, from "show, don't tell" to "write what you know." Her scathing critique is both refreshing and liberating for writers who feel suffocated by these tired tropes.
For McCracken, writing a novel is not about following a set of rules or adhering to some rigid framework. Rather, it's a spontaneous act of creative rebellion – a form of sustained mischievous truancy that allows her to tap into her own unique voice and vision. In an era where writers are increasingly bound by the constraints of social media and online advice, McCracken's approach is both refreshing and necessary.
One of the most compelling aspects of 'A Long Game' is its willingness to confront the darker aspects of creativity. For McCracken, writing is often a painful process that requires embracing self-loathing and uncertainty. Her admission that she "harnesses the power of my own self-loathing" to drive her creative output is both brutal and liberating.
While some may find McCracken's approach too intense or provocative, it's hard not to be drawn in by her confidence and conviction. This book is a love letter to writers who feel disillusioned with the conventional wisdom and are desperate for something more honest and authentic. In short, 'A Long Game' is a clarion call to arms – an unapologetic manifesto that challenges us all to rethink our approach to writing and creativity.
Ultimately, McCracken's bold assertion that "nobody knows how to write a book" rings true in an era where the line between authenticity and marketing has become increasingly blurred. As we navigate the complex landscape of creative writing, 'A Long Game' offers a much-needed respite from the usual platitudes and advice. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps even feel a little bit liberated – all while reminding us that writing is an act of unbridled creativity that defies rules and convention.
With her debut craft book, McCracken sets out to shake off the saccharine tone and formulaic advice that has become synonymous with creative writing workshops. She doesn't mince words, instead choosing to skewer the clichés that have come to define the industry, from "show, don't tell" to "write what you know." Her scathing critique is both refreshing and liberating for writers who feel suffocated by these tired tropes.
For McCracken, writing a novel is not about following a set of rules or adhering to some rigid framework. Rather, it's a spontaneous act of creative rebellion – a form of sustained mischievous truancy that allows her to tap into her own unique voice and vision. In an era where writers are increasingly bound by the constraints of social media and online advice, McCracken's approach is both refreshing and necessary.
One of the most compelling aspects of 'A Long Game' is its willingness to confront the darker aspects of creativity. For McCracken, writing is often a painful process that requires embracing self-loathing and uncertainty. Her admission that she "harnesses the power of my own self-loathing" to drive her creative output is both brutal and liberating.
While some may find McCracken's approach too intense or provocative, it's hard not to be drawn in by her confidence and conviction. This book is a love letter to writers who feel disillusioned with the conventional wisdom and are desperate for something more honest and authentic. In short, 'A Long Game' is a clarion call to arms – an unapologetic manifesto that challenges us all to rethink our approach to writing and creativity.
Ultimately, McCracken's bold assertion that "nobody knows how to write a book" rings true in an era where the line between authenticity and marketing has become increasingly blurred. As we navigate the complex landscape of creative writing, 'A Long Game' offers a much-needed respite from the usual platitudes and advice. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps even feel a little bit liberated – all while reminding us that writing is an act of unbridled creativity that defies rules and convention.
. I mean, who hasn't been there right? Tired of all the writing advice that's like, "show, don't tell"... yeah, sure... how about just write what comes out of you instead? 
It's refreshing to see someone call out the conventional wisdom and be all like, "hold up, nobody actually knows what they're doing" 
. And can I just say, I love her honesty about embracing self-loathing to drive creativity? Girl, same! 
We should write a book together, mine would be called "A Long Nap"... 
. Elizabeth McCracken's approach to writing a novel feels like a necessary rejection of the status quo – we're so used to being told what works and what doesn't that it's refreshing to see someone shatter those norms and forge their own path 
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! As someone who's been writing for years, I can totally relate to feeling suffocated by all the "rules" out there. We've all heard it before - show, don't tell, write what you know, etc. And honestly, it feels like a bunch of BS sometimes 
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. I love how she talks about harnessing self-loathing to drive her creative output - it sounds crazy, but also kind of liberating? 
), so the idea that we need to "follow the rules" just feels like an added burden. But what McCracken's book does is make you feel okay with being a little messy and imperfect 
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. Maybe it's time we start writing about the things that really matter, you know? The stuff that makes us feel uncomfortable or scared? That's where the real writing comes in 
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. I mean, who needs "show, don't tell" when you can just be honest about how you're feeling? It's like she's saying, "Hey, I get it, writing is hard, and we all suck sometimes." 
. I think this book is gonna be a game-changer for anyone who's ever felt like they're writing the same old thing over and over again 
. And can we talk about how refreshing it is to read someone being totally unapologetic about the darkness of creativity? It's like, yeah, sometimes it hurts, but that's what makes it real 
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What she's saying makes so much sense - writing is all about being raw and honest with ourselves, even when it hurts. 
I've been there too, struggling to get my creative juices flowing only to have them stifle me with "you should write what you know" or "just follow the prompts". No thanks! 
. I mean, who doesn't want to break free from the usual "rules" and just go for it? It's refreshing to see someone being so honest about the struggles of creativity. I've been there myself, feeling like a total imposter in front of my screen 
. But at the same time, I think her approach might be a bit too intense for some people 
i love that she's all about embracing your own unique voice and vision, no rules or guidelines needed! 
but at the same time i can see how some people might find her approach too intense 
like is this really the only way to tackle creative writing? 
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McCracken's book is like a big ol' hug from a friend who gets you, and says, "Hey, I'm in this with you."
. seriously though, elizabeth mccracken sounds like she's speaking straight to the hearts of all writers who feel like they're just winging it and hope for the best 
. Elizabeth McCracken's approach to writing a novel is like a breath of fresh air – it's raw, honest, and unapologetic 
. This book feels like a middle finger to all the writers who feel suffocated by the industry's expectations – let's get back to creating something real and authentic 
... but no, instead she's all about tearing things down and causing drama 
And can we talk about how relatable her approach is? Like, who hasn't felt suffocated by the whole "show, don't tell" thing? 