Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow
A DIY Manual for the Construction of Stories
The long-awaited book about the craft of creative writing from Steve Almond, beloved teacher, mentor, and author.
9781638931300
English
304
Paperback
April 9, 2024
5.5 x 8.25
From the acclaimed author of twelve books of fiction and nonfiction, including All the Secrets of The World and the New York Times bestsellers Candyfreak and Against Football, comes a craft book that is at once irreverent and iconoclastic.
In Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow, Steve Almond employs the radical empathy he displayed as co-host (with Cheryl Strayed) of the podcast Dear Sugars to explore the joys and trials of storytelling, and to explode the myths that hold us back from writing our deepest and truest work. The book includes chapters on plot, character, and chronology, but travels far beyond the earnest intentions of most craft books. It includes essays on humor, sex, writer’s block, and the dividends of failure, as well as prompts to generate new work and a rollicking Frequently Asked Questions section. You’ll never think about writing the same way again.
“Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow is one of the best books on writing I’ve ever read. It’s also the funniest by a country mile.”
“Steve Almond is a master teacher, which is to say he is smart, humble and brave. Much more than just method and strategy, truth and mercy become, in these pages, instructions for meeting the world authentically, which makes for better writing, and a far more valuable life.”
“Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow is a hilarious book that will kick your writing to the next level. I salivated over it and underlined like a madwoman.”
“Steve Almond has done something remarkable here; he has demystified the writer’s tool kit without over simplifying the brave descent into mystery that is every writer’s task. Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow is deeply edifying, funny, often moving, erudite, wonderfully wise, and downright inspiring. I highly recommend this soul-nourishing and helpful book!”
“Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow is an insightful and delightful book about how we hone the craft and embolden the heart in order to write well. Clear, compelling, and rich with wisdom and humor, Steve Almond has written an essential and timeless book for writers.”