Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury

"Obviously targeted to writers but honestly, anyone could benefit from Bradbury's practical yet poetic advice, this was a collection of esasys by Bradbury about his writing process and reflections on some of his greatest works."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros: Bradbury, duh, though I'm biased, to me, the man's prose is pure poetry, every word beautiful/Since writing is not my career, it was an interesting way to view Bradbury's life. Writing was his job and he was the only income. If he did not produce material, he would not get paid. It help put things into perspective.

Cons: The man can go on for a bit 😂/Bradbury's insane work ethic and endless endurance to just produce story after story seems insane and overwhelming but then again, this was his livelihood, so I'm sure it was insane and overwhelming. If he didn't write and get paid, they'd starve, so, it was a life or death situation.

Full Review:

This was essentially a collection of essays written by Bradbury about his writing process, focusing on specific works like Fahrenheit 451, Dandelion Wine and Something Wicked This Way Comes. Also his thoughts about art, sci-fi/fantasy and all things fun and fantastical.

Drunk and in charge of a Bicycle was by far the stand out. Bradbury's recollection of his trip to a side-show attraction as a boy, where he was shocked by Mr. Electrico and told to "live forever." The next day, mesmerized, Bradbury returned to the fair and was lucky enough to catch Mr. Electrico on break. They walked and talked together and Mr. Electrico explained that Bradbury felt familiar, like the soul of a long departed friend. He wondered at the fact that life was a strange thing and to live forever would truly be a gift. So through all of life's ups and downs, Bradbury always kept Mr. Electrico's wish, to "live forever" in the back of his mind. When he would sit down and write, he always made sure to let the memory of that young boy run free with ideas and adventures, blessed to live forever. He just wrote down the results.

Since I'm biased and think every word of Bradbury's is literary gold, most of these essays were perfection. Practical yet told with Bradbury's poetic prose. Investing in Dimes, his recollection of writing the first draft of Fahrenhei 451 was another great read. And, of course, Zen in the Art of Writing was full of sound wisdom that just, works. His suggestion to simply "Work, Relax, Don't Think", works in my daytime job and in writing.

This is obviously a must for any fan of Brabudy but honestly, I think anyone could benefit from some of the advice in this book.

Comments

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