Notes on Writing Fiction’ – The Daily Texan

Author and English professor Elizabeth McCracken, published her newest book, “A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction,” on Tuesday, and will host her book launch this Thursday at the Harry Ransom Center along with writers Greg Marshall and Lucas Schaefer. McCracken’s book explores literary techniques, offers advice to fiction writers and analyzes her own works. Previously having published eight books, McCracken holds three Pushcart Prizes and two National Magazine Awards. The Daily Texan sat down with McCracken to discuss her goals for her new book.

The Daily Texan: Can you tell me about your book?

Elizabeth McCracken: It’s a little book called “A Long Game,” and it’s about writing fiction. A lot of (the book) has to do with things I’ve thought about. I’ve been at UT for 16 years, teaching both graduates and undergraduates, and I have taught at other places. … It’s not exactly a craft book, or maybe it’s a little bit of a craft book. There’s a little memoir in it; it’s quite cranky. I tend to be something of a crank.

DT: What is your goal with the book? What do you hope people get out of it?

EM: The main thing I want to give to students when I teach and to read into this book is permission. I’m not a writing teacher who believes that there are strict rules. What I want is to help people write the work that only they can write, and this book is aimed (towards) that. It’s also sort of about modes of thinking about writing more than it is, “This is how plot works, or this is how you develop a character.”

DT: Can you explain what you mean by permission? 

EM:  I don’t think there are rules. I think it’s important for any writer, particularly young writers, to dare to try things and not to be obsessed with, or nervous, about doing things in the right way. I don’t think that there’s a right way. I always want my students to write the work that only they can write, which means only they know what the rules for their own work (are). 

DT: What do you hope to share (on Thursday)?

EM: I’m doing (the talk) in conversation with Greg Marshall and Lucas Schaefer, who are two astounding writers who live in Austin and are married to each other. They were both students of mine… they’re both incredibly smart, so I’m hoping to be sort of surprised by the questions they ask me, but also, I love the sorts of things they think about writing, so I think it’ll be a good conversation.

DT: What advice would you give current UT students?

EM: It’s a cliche to say that writers have to read, but I think they should. You read not for instruction, but for permission. (Students should) read stuff that moves you to see what’s possible in writing.