“Insightful. . . . Griffin is a notably practical guide. No aspect of her work is too minor to mention, and when she drops the name of a famous friend, it serves her larger purpose: to explain what it takes to craft a good short story, a publishable poem or even a book. . . . Her advice on routine is direct and implementable. . . . An excellent place to start.” — Kevin Canfield, San Francisco Chronicle
“Writing is a lifestyle, an attitude, a labor, and a joy. In this craft guide from inimitable writer and feminist philosopher [Susan] Griffin, readers will also find a guide to life . . . . Budding writers will find a bottomless well of wisdom, and seasoned ones will see the great lessons of their lives re-spun in beautiful, glowing prose.” — Booklist (starred review)
“An elegant guide to the art of writing . . . An illuminating memoir of her life in literature . . . These pearls of wisdom will be a boon to novice writers.” — Publishers Weekly
“Out of Silence, Sound. Out of Nothing, Something. is a gorgeous, uncanny book that goes to the heart of why and how we write. It is, yes, a guide, but like all of Susan Griffin’s work, it turns on the wisdom and sensibility of a philosopher poet. I’ll recommend it to every writer I know, every student I teach, anyone who leans across a table and whispers, ‘What I really want to do is write.’” — Honor Moore, author of Our Revolution: A Mother and Daughter at Midcentury
“With her signature gifts of insight, skill, and subtlety, Susan Griffin simultaneously de-mystifies and elevates the art of creative writing. Relevant across all genres and levels of experience, this book is so practical and elegant, so intelligent and essential—I can’t wait to share it with every writer I know.” — Elizabeth Rosner, author of Survivor Café: The Legacy of Trauma and the Labyrinth of Memory
“Susan Griffin has written a book for all of us who write or want to write or wish they could begin writing again. Out of Silence, Sound. Out of Nothing, Something. is more than a guide — it is an oracle: wise, instructive, and revelatory like all of Griffin’s landmark books from Women and Nature to Wrestling With The Angel of Democracy. I close my eyes, open a random page, and take that as my assignment. The heading “Sentences” appears: “Sentences are like rivers. They flow, move you to tears, bring you to see, or simply mirror the movement of life.” I then begin to write my own. On another day, “Closing the Circle” is my pick: “A circle we are relieved to see rise most mornings. Another circle rises at night….we are all on a circular journey.” Susan Griffin describes the writing life perfectly and offers us the depth of her experience and philosophy on the page. Out of Silence, Sound. Out of Nothing, Something. is full of literary references and astute advice from one of our most brave and accomplished writers. Both a tutorial and a gift, we are inspired to grow, risk more, and play as we perfect our craft. My well-marked copy now resides on my desk.” — Terry Tempest Williams, author of Erosion: Essays on Undoing
“Susan Griffin has given us a guide to the magical music of words and meaning. She walks with us, regaling us with stories and quotes from writers she loves, and shares what she has alchemically distilled over a lifetime of writing, reading and teaching: a precious elixir, as if gently pressed from thousands of roses.” — Deirdre English
“Beautifully organized, lucidly written, Susan Griffin’s Out of Silence, Sound, Out of Nothing, Something., is destined to become an inspiring guide for creative writing classes and for creative writers on their own, at the laptop or in the library.” — Sandra M. Gilbert, coauthor of Still Mad and The Madwoman in the Attic
“Susan Griffin shares her many insights into the phenomenon of writing with a clarity and feeling that can open doors to the new writer or deepen the experience for those already writing. A must read for anyone about to take pen in hand, or put hand to keyboard.” — Leonard Pitt
“Susan Griffin’s books have been, quite literally, life-changing for me, fundamental to my understanding of the world and my place in it. She is a brilliant thinker and an exquisitely beautiful writer. If you want to learn the craft of writing, I can think of no better teacher. Out of Silence, Sound. Out of Nothing, Something. is clear and inviting for beginning writers and has smart and nuanced advice for those far along in their careers, along with inspiring stories and quotes from beloved artists and writers, and throughout Susan Griffin’s reliable wisdom and deep belief in the creativity that is rooted inside every one of us. I’ve dog-eared half the pages of my copy and will be recommending this book to every aspiring and accomplished writer I know!” — Ellen Bass, author of Indigo
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