Why We Write

Twenty of America’s bestselling authors share tricks, tips, and secrets of the successful writing life.

Anyone who’s ever sat down to write a novel or even a story knows how exhilarating and heartbreaking writing can be. So what makes writers stick with it? In Why We Write, twenty well-known authors candidly share what keeps them going and what they love most—and least—about their vocation.

PRESS

Susan Orlean: Why I Write
—UTNE.com

Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do was among the 10 best books on writing from my recent collaboration with the New York Public Library…[and] remains a must-read of the most highly recommended kind.
—Brainpickings.org, 8/26/13

“What led Walter Mosley, Jennifer Egan, Susan Orlean, Terry McMillan, Sebastian Junger and others to write? The reasons of a dozen writers — from the just-published collection ‘’Why We Write’’ — are honest, humorous and inspiring.”
—Washington Post, 3/15/13

Underblog Collective: Why We Choose to Write
—Project: Underblog, 7/9/13

There is, quite literally, something for everyone in this book”
—GoodReads, 6/20/13

“This collection is an absolute must for avid readers who are curious about what makes their favorite writers tick, and how they do what they do.”
—Tucsoncitizen.com, 4/26/13

Advice To Writers: Meredith Maran
—Advicetowriters.com, 4/16/13

Why I Write
—Whyiwrite.net, 4/16/13

“Why We Write includes some authors that I already know and respect…and others that I’ve never heard of. All of their stories were valuable though, and I recommend this book to anyone who desires a writerly life.”
—Chrissy’s Blog, 4/10/13

“It’s always encouraging (in a weird way) to hear how terrified even hugely successful writers are–as terrified and unconfident as I…Sue Grafton describes herself as “a persistant writer, and a terrified one.” Do you know how happy that makes me? ”
—Bobbiepyron.blogspot.com, 3/29/13

“…get ready to be enraptured by firsthand accounts from 20 great authors on why they became—and continue to be—writers.”
—Bookpage.com, 3/19/13

“I’m reading a book that’s so good, it’s like literary porn. It’s Us for bookworms. The book is called Why We Write, and it has a few pages each on one of 20 literary superstars. Each section describes how and why the writer writes. The section begins with vitals including when and where the writer was born, married or not, schooling, day job, and awards. Each section ends with tidbits of advice for writers. If you love to write, you’ve got to get this book. It’s so fun to read and super inspiring.”
—Reelgirl.com, 3/16/13

“Anyone who’s ever sat down to write a novel or even a story knows how exhilarating and heartbreaking writing can be. So what makes writers stick with it? In Why We Write, twenty well-known authors candidly share what keeps them going and what they love most—and least—about their vocation.”
—Lady Bank’s Commonplace Book, 3/5/13

Now Read This!: Culture vs. Commerce—Oh Yeah, and a Quiz
— AARP Blog, 2/26/13

“Oh happy day. I happen to be a pushover for this stuff: books about writing, books about writers, books about reading, books about books, books about writers’ favorite bookstores. I love them all, but I especially love books about the writing life that delve into writers’ work habits and routines, and offer advice.”
—The Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2/16/13

Book Review – Why We Write by Meredith Maran
—Littlethoughtsaboutbooks, 2/14/13

“Ms. Maran’s august assemblage does come up with some interesting stuff. Jodi Picoult talks about the anguish she feels while writing. Susan Orlean exprresses her self doubt. David Baldacci tells us that writing is quite simply his addiction. (“If writing were illegal, I’d be in prison.”) We also hear about such fun writerly ailments as writer’s block:
“It’s like swallowing sand,” says Isabel Allende.
See? An insight.”
—Tvwriter.net, 2/12/13

—People, 2/11/13

“The confessional that makes “Why We Write” special. Maran, herself a novelist (“A Theory of Small Earthquakes”) and a critic, elicits material from these writers that goes beyond the business of Why and into How, What, Where and When. It gives invaluable insights into both authorial insecurity and flying in the face of that, their certainty about the importance of books. For the curious bystander and the aspiring participant, “Why We Write” is a must have.”
—MSNBC, 2/11/13

What’s New in Science Books
—Science Book Newsletter, 2/11/2013

“You need not be a fan of all of the writers interviewed to enjoy this absorbing look into the literary life. “Why We Write” is also filled with practical tips on writing, surviving, and thriving for anyone who works with words.”
—Boston Globe, 2/8/13

“Maran’s Why We Write came to my doorstep on Wednesday, and by Friday I had finished reading it. That’s how I know I really like a book, when I read it fast, sometimes all at once, because I can’t put it down.
You should see my copy. It is yellow highlighted and underlined in blue Sharpie and annotated in pink ink. There is a small hole on page 73 from where I got a bit too enthusiastic with the Sharpie.”
—Kathleenstander.blogspot.com, 2/8/13

Meredith Maran talks about WHY WE WRITE, odious genre labels, and so much more
—redroom.com, 2/7/2013

“Above all, Why We Write inspired me to keep doing what I am doing, and that feels good.”
—52booksorbust, 2/6/13

Why We Write
—WritingTime, 2/5/13

Why We Write
—BeattiesBookBlog, 2/3/13

Book News: Salinger Biography, Kindle Ads
—The New Yorker, 2/1/13

Why Do You Write?
—MediaBistro.com, 2/1/13

—ShelfAwareness.com, 2/1/13

Susan Orlean: Why I Write
—Utne.com, 2/1/13

Rick Moody: Why I Write
—TheDailyBeast.com, 2/1/13

“Why We Write is excellent in its entirety. Pair it with…F. Scott Fitzgerald’s letter to his daughter, Zadie Smith’s 10 rules of writing, Kurt Vonnegut’s 8 keys to the power of the written word…Jack Kerouac’s 30 beliefs and techniques, John Steinbeck’s 6 pointers…and Susan Sontag’s synthesized learnings.”
—Maria Popova, BrainPickings.org, 1/31/13

EXCERPT: Jodi Picoult Advice To Writers, Why She Writes
—Huffington Post, 1/30/13

‘Why We Write’: 10 authors speak about why they love their craft
—Christian Science Monitor, 1/30/13

“Writers and readers who are fascinated with a writer’s mind likely will love this book.”
—Oklahoma Gazette, 1/30/13

Hot New Releases in Writing, Research and Publishing
—Amazon,1/30/13

New in Paperback for February
—Thecontextuallife.com, 1/29/13

Hitting Our Shelves This Week
—AnthologyBookCompany.com, 1/29/13

“Editor Meredith Maran covers the bases with writers who represent a variety of genres and levels of literary-ness. The anthology gives readers a personal, slice-of-life look at writers whose work they enjoy, and there’s plenty here to inspire aspiring writers as well.”
—BookRiot.com, 1/29/13

“Most entertaining in Why We Write is the chance to go behind the pages of the books we know and love–or perhaps, the pages of books as-yet unknown to us–to meet the authors that gave them to us…the insights into the writing process are full of promise and interest. Whether a writer or a reader be, Why We Write is a delightful romp through twenty worlds of twenty writers.”
—EntomologyofaBookWorm.com, 1/29/13

Writers writing about writing: ‘Why We Write’
—LA Times, 1/28/13

Jennifer Egan: “Goon Squad” could have been better!
—Salon.com, 1/27/13

Meredith Maran talks about Why We Write, odious genre labels, and so much more
—Leavittville, 1/27/13

Review: Why We Write
—Vinobaby’s Voice, 1/24/13

“As a writer, I have many many many (did I mention many) moments of self doubt and angst about my writing. Reading this collection of interviews done by Meredith Maran is a salve. It reminds me that hey, you’re not alone. Jodi Picoult goes through it, Susan Orlean goes through it, but the most important thing is you have to keep writing and keep your inner demons at the door. Wonderful reading.”
—Jennifer Gibbons, goodreads (5 stars) 1/21/13

“…anybody curious can find Baldacci’s thoughts on the matter in “Why We Write,” a new collection of interviews edited by Meredith Maran, in which 20 well-known authors try to analyze what, exactly, keeps them at it.”
—New York Times Book Review, 1/18/13

“A rich, informative essay collection based on interviews with 20 prominent authors seeking to answer the question: “Why do writers write?”
—Kirkus

“If writing were illegal I’d be in prison. I can’t not write. It’s a compulsion.”
—David Baldacci

“When I’m writing… I’m living in two different dimensions: this life I’m living now…and this completely other world I’m inhabiting that no one else knows about.”
—Jennifer Egan

“Every story is a seed inside of me that starts to grow and grow, like a tumor, and I have to deal with it sooner or later.”
—Isabel Allende

“In the beginning, it was that sense of losing time. Now…I have the sense that I can biff the world a bit. I can exert a force.”
—Michael Lewis

“Writers will be reassured and readers will learn much about the joys and the struggles of the writing life.”
—Jason Epstein

“Why do we writers do what we do? Because we must. Because the alternative is untenable. An inspiring, illuminating book.”
—Dani Shapiro

“The perfect warm-up to a good day of work, an antidote to writer’s block—a must-have secret weapon of inspiration for any writer’s reference shelf.”
—A.M. Homes