The Hidden Machinery: Essays on Writing

by Margot Livesey
The Hidden Machinery: Essays on Writing cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Essays / Essay Collections
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  • ID: 9512
  • Added: 2025-12-30
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781941040690
  • Publisher: Zando
  • Published: 2017-07-04
  • Reviews: 3

The Hidden Machinery offers a deep dive into the craft of writing, blending close readings, personal essays, and arguments about literary technique. Margot Livesey, a critically acclaimed author, explores the inner workings of fiction, drawing on her own experiences and the works of literary giants like Flaubert and Austen. This book is a treasure trove for those who love to read and write, providing valuable insights into the art of storytelling. /n/n Through a series of engaging essays, Livesey covers a wide range of topics, from the nuances of research to the creation of memorable characters. She also delves into the historical and personal contexts that shape great literature, making this book as much a guide for writers as it is a companion for readers. Whether you're looking to improve your writing skills or simply gain a deeper appreciation for literature, The Hidden Machinery is an essential read.

Reviews
The Millions · 2025-12-30
compelling 4.25

The book is a masterclass in writing, offering a blend of personal essays and literary analysis. It's a valuable resource for both writers and readers.

Margot Livesey's collection of essays is a journey through the craft of writing, offering insights that are both practical and inspirational. The author's personal experiences and literary knowledge create a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The book is not just a guide to writing but also a celebration of literature and the creative process. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the art of storytelling. The blend of personal anecdotes and literary analysis makes it a valuable resource for both aspiring writers and avid readers.

Quick quotes

    The book is a masterclass in writing, offering a blend of personal essays and literary analysis.

    It's a valuable resource for both writers and readers.

    The author's personal experiences and literary knowledge create a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

Notes in the Margin · 2022-11-18
enlightening 4.50

The book is eminently readable and offers a unique perspective on the writing process. It's a journey through the author's efforts to learn from the masters of literature.

Margot Livesey's approach to teaching herself to write novels by studying the works of literary masters is both fascinating and educational. The book is written in a way that makes complex ideas accessible and engaging. It's not just a guide to writing but also a celebration of literature and the creative process. The author's personal experiences and insights add a layer of depth that makes the book even more compelling. It's a must-read for anyone looking to understand the art of writing.

Quick quotes

    In this eminently readable book, novelist Margot Livesey explains how she taught herself to write novels by studying works of masters such as.

    The book is a journey through one novelist's efforts to be influenced by great fiction.

    It's not just a guide to writing but also a celebration of literature and the creative process.

The Woven Tale Press · 2017-10-05
insightful 4.00

The book offers a masterclass in writing, blending close readings, craft arguments, and personal essays. It delves into the inner workings of fiction and how stories are crafted.

This collection is a treasure trove for both aspiring writers and avid readers. The author's insights into the craft of writing are both enlightening and practical, making it a valuable resource. The blend of personal anecdotes and literary analysis creates a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged throughout. It's a book that not only teaches but also inspires, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

Quick quotes

    In drafting her own novel, Homework, Livesey learned to moved from the 'long line of suspense' to managing 'the shorter lines of suspense.'

    Through close readings, arguments about craft, and personal essay, Livesey delves into the inner workings of fiction and considers how our stories and novels are constructed.

    The book is a journey through one novelist's efforts to be influenced by great fiction.

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