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.
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 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?
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 
I'm loving Elizabeth McCracken's approach to writing books, you know? She's like "screw the rules" and just goes for it 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good dose of self-loathing and creative defiance though? 
. 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! 
. 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 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 
. 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 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good dose of self-loathing every now and then?