Process

The Writing Lives of Great Authors

By: Sarah Stodola

Narrated by: Andi Arndt

Ernest Hemingway, Zadie Smith, Joan Didion, Franz Kafka, David Foster Wallace, and more. In Process, acclaimed journalist Sarah Stodola examines the creative methods of literature's most transformative figures. Each chapter contains a mini biography of one of the world's most lauded authors, focused solely on his or her writing process. Unlike how-to books that preach writing techniques or rules, Process puts the true methods of writers on display in their most captivating incarnation: within the context of the lives from which they sprang. Drawn from both existing material and original research and interviews, Stodola brings to light the fascinating, unique, and illuminating techniques behind these literary behemoths.

©2015 Sarah Stodola (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Exactly What I Needed

Love this book. It goes deep into the process of really famous writers. It gave me the exact insight necessary for my profession. I know now that I'm on the right path and that I'm nowhere near alone in my writing journey. Seems like a lot of authors have experienced the same things I'm going through now.

Enjoyed the comparisons

The similarity of dedication of the writers with different approaches, habits and challenges as they creat their individual magic leaves a unifying impression. There is guidance to writers, but more so a humanizing of the subjects auras.

Meh

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. I didn't find this interesting or illuminating. This seems to be material recycled from other (secondary) sources. There's not much new here.

Do you think Process needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No.

Excellent!

I can be quite selective and picky when it comes to books on writing, but this one definitely held my attention. It offers a lot of interesting information on quite a few authors- information that isn't common knowledge and so, delicious in its little hidden facts. I would love to read more from this author on the same subject, expanding with more authors. I hope she has a part two or has one in the works... Checking now lol highly recommending this one!

A book after my heart

I love knowing about the insiders' perspective of writers. This book was a detailed examination of some great writers and the parts of their lives lost relevant to writing. I hope there are sequels with more writers examined. I want to know more about some long dead authors; this book dealt with contemporary authors or those of the more recent past like Hemingway or Kafka.

Comforting and encouraging, as if discussing the insecurities of writing over a cup of coffee.

Excellent book for writers who feel as if they lack what it takes to be a successful author.

Worth a listen...

Worth a listen, but not as full of interesting anecdotes as I’d hoped. The production quality is subpar. Audible Inc has a long way to go if this is an example of their quality of production.

A Surprise!

I was quite disappointed when I started this book, as I thought it was something quit different from what it turned out to be. Instead, I enjoyed it immensely. I love biographies, and this was so well presented that I felt an acquaintance with each of the many authors highlighted without being overly exhaustive. The bio's are given first, then a separate little piece on "the writer's day" at the end of each author's chapter. I also didn't expect to like the narration, as I initially thought the woman's voice was too high and sing-song. However, the more I listened the more I enjoyed it. So many books on writing are published to try and guide frustrated amateurs to become professionals. This book, fortunately, didn't do that at all.