David Jauss Launches New Craft Guide for Aspiring Writers
Little Rock, AR – Celebrated short story author David Jauss, known for his collections “Glossolalia” and “Nice People,” continues to impact the literary world even after retiring from his position as a creative writing professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock a decade ago. His latest book, “Words Made Flesh: The Craft of Fiction,” was released in October by Press 53, and promises to reshape the way writers approach their craft.
In the preface, Jauss criticized the prescriptive nature of many creative writing textbooks, suggesting they can limit creativity by dictating what writers should do, rather than describing what has been achieved in the field. His six essays challenge contemporary writing norms, aiming to broaden the understanding of narrative construction through observation and analysis.
In a recent discussion with fellow writer Philip Graham, Jauss emphasized the importance of rereading literary works, likening the experience to different forms of relationships, asserting that thorough engagement enriches understanding. He also warned against the risks of fully defining characters too early in a narrative, arguing that characters should possess an element of mystery to remain relatable. Moreover, Jauss advocates for an ongoing revision process that continues long after a piece is published, maintaining that true refinement is a lifelong journey for authors.
For readers and writers seeking to explore the depth of fiction, Jauss’ insights offer valuable perspectives. The full interview is available at 3 Quarks Daily, where more about Jauss’ innovative approach to storytelling can be discovered.
Daniel Grear, culture editor at the Arkansas Times, encourages readers to further explore the evolving landscape of creative writing through Jauss’ latest work.
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Photo credit arktimes.com
