A Long Game by Elizabeth McCracken review – here's how to really write your novel

Elizabeth McCracken's A Long Game is a breath of fresh air in the often stifling world of craft books and writing manuals. Unlike her predecessors, who often peddle their expertise with a chipper, encouraging tone, McCracken takes a more irreverent approach, defying expectations from the get-go. Her assertion that "nobody knows how to write a book" sets the tone for a refreshingly candid exploration of the creative process.

McCracken's prose is infused with a wicked sense of humor and a willingness to challenge the conventional wisdom that has dominated the world of writing workshops. She pokes fun at the overly simplistic advice that once filled these spaces, embracing instead the messy, intuitive nature of artistic expression. In doing so, she reminds us that writing isn't about following a set of rules or guidelines, but rather about surrendering to the chaos of the creative impulse.

This stance is both liberating and unsettling, echoing McCracken's own description of herself as a "naughty older sister" who behaves according to her whims. It's an attitude that will resonate with writers who have grown tired of being told what to do, how to write, or what topics to explore. For those who have been stifled by the relentless drumbeat of workshop feedback, McCracken's A Long Game offers a much-needed antidote – a healthy dose of self-loathing and creative defiance.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is its willingness to confront the myths that underpin our understanding of writing. McCracken tackles topics like daily writing routines with characteristic candor, offering an unorthodox solution in which the writer harnesses their own self-doubt as a driving force. It's a bold move that will leave some readers gasping for air, but those who are willing to take a chance on this unconventional approach may find themselves invigorated and inspired.

Ultimately, A Long Game is less about offering a set of practical tips or tricks than it is about embracing the beauty of chaos and creative uncertainty. McCracken's writing is an act of defiance, a statement that refuses to be bound by conventional wisdom or expectations. For writers who are ready to take a leap into the unknown, this book offers a vital reminder that the true power of writing lies not in its discipline or control, but in its capacity for liberation and self-discovery.

I'm telling you, this author is onto something big . She's like, poking holes in all these traditional writing books and workshops that are supposed to help us become better writers, but really they're just holding us back . I mean, who needs a daily writing routine or a set of rules to follow? The idea that we need structure and discipline to be creative is just, like, so limiting . McCracken's approach is all about embracing the chaos and letting your own doubts and fears drive you to create something truly original . It's like, she's saying, "Hey, writing isn't about being perfect or following some boring formula – it's about tapping into that crazy, messy part of yourself that nobody else can see" . I'm obsessed with this book!

I'm loving how refreshingly honest McCracken is about the whole writing process . I mean, who hasn't felt like they're just winging it most of the time? Her attitude towards embracing that chaos is so liberating, but also kinda terrifying . I think what really sets her apart is her willingness to challenge those traditional workshop vibes and offer something genuinely new. It's not for everyone, but I'm all about that 'naughty older sister' energy . Anyone else feeling like they need a dose of creative unapologetia in their life?

lololol i mean omg i just read this amazin new book A Long Game by Elizabeth McCracken and im hella impressed she's like totally revolutionizing the whole writing thing by being all "forget about followin rules" her attitude is so liberatin and i feel like shes speakin straight to my soul i love how she just owns up to bein a bit of a rebel and embracin the messy nature of creativness its like she's sayin "screw conventional wisdom" and im HERE. FOR. IT can't wait to dive into more of her work

I'm loving Elizabeth McCracken's approach to writing books, you know? She's like "screw the rules" and just goes for it . It's so refreshing after all those other craft books that are just, like, super formulaic . I mean, who doesn't love a good dose of self-loathing and creative defiance though? This book is like a breath of fresh air, you know? It's not about giving you all the answers or telling you what to do, it's more like... embracing the chaos and seeing where it takes you . I'm definitely intrigued by her approach to harnessing self-doubt as a driving force . Can't wait to dive in and see what other crazy ideas she has up her sleeve!

I just finished reading A Long Game by Elizabeth McCracken and I'm still reeling from it . As someone who's struggled with their own creative blockages, I can totally relate to her no-holds-barred approach to writing. The way she pokes fun at the traditional workshop vibes and challenges us to tap into our own self-doubt as a driving force is like a breath of fresh air . It's like she's saying, "Hey, you're never gonna get it right, but that's okay – just go for it!" And honestly, it's kind of liberating . I'm not sure if it's the perfect solution for everyone, but for those of us who are tired of being held back by conventional wisdom, this book is like a much-needed wake-up call .

I'm loving how McCracken is calling out all those writing workshop rules like they're broken . It's about time someone told us to stop following the same old formula and start embracing our weirdness as writers. I mean, who needs daily writing routines when you can just let your freak flag fly? The idea of harnessing self-doubt as a driving force is genius - it's like she's saying, "Hey, your inner critic is not a monster, it's just your brain being its usual dramatic self". I'm so down for this book and the message it's sending. Can we talk about how refreshing it is to have someone challenge our conventional wisdom like that?

finally a book that's like "oh great, another expert telling me how to write" ... i mean, thank goodness someone's coming along and saying "you know what? just write stuff and figure it out as you go". elizabeth mccracken is like the cool aunt who's been around the block a few times and isn't afraid to tell you that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. her writing style is so refreshing, it's like she's having a conversation with you while also being totally unapologetic about how much of a mess everything is. i love how she pokes fun at the whole writing workshop thing and just owns the fact that writing is weird and unpredictable . anyone who's ever felt like they're just winging it in their writing should def check out this book, it's like elizabeth mccracken is speaking directly to your soul .

I'm so glad someone is finally telling it like it is in the writing world . Elizabeth McCracken's A Long Game is everything I've been waiting for – a refreshingly honest take on what it means to write, without all the fluffy encouragement and simplistic advice . She's not afraid to poke fun at the industry and its own cliches, which makes her book feel like a breath of fresh air . And let's be real, who doesn't love a good dose of self-loathing every now and then? It's time for writers to stop being told what to do and start embracing their own unique brand of chaos – and McCracken is leading the charge . This book is not for everyone, but trust me, it's exactly what we need – a healthy dose of creative defiance that will leave you feeling inspired and liberated .