The Way of the Writer: Reflections on the Art and Craft of Storytelling Paperback – December 6, 2016

Do you know the difference between a dork, a nerd, and a geek?If you answered an emphatic “yes,” you are a nerd (for your studious, eager nature) and a geek (for your deep knowledge of a specific area).But I asked the question, ergo, je suis une dork.Long, romantic beach walks with craft and philosophy are my nerdy indulgence. I get geeky about drawing connections between art, responsibility, and meaning, and I’m endlessly curious about the dance of words in the grand theater of thought.And because I’m here blarping about it with absolutely no chill? Je suis toujours une dork.Labels can be fun, especially with fuzzy ones like those.But for Dr. Charles Johnson, a polymath who believes in the sanctity and precision of language, terms like “nerd” and “geek” fall short. He deserves better: Genius. Writer. Teacher. Artist. Peerless storyteller.And generous, because he shares a lot of his genius and years of experience in The Way of the Writer.In this collection of essays, Johnson explores sticky, beautiful webs of life and art, the responsibility of the author to the greater culture, the nature of storytelling and the discipline it demands, and how these together can, when lightning strikes hard work, transform writer and reader.I always snort when people in films finish a book and clutch it to their chest. I tend to dismiss that as over-the-top and kind of icky.But I…I think I get it now. This is a book I want to hold to my heart, to wrap my muscles and bones around. I want to somehow physically intertwine with this book. At the very least, to hold my work up to his expectations and find it worthy.We all hit those quiet crisis moments in life. What am I doing? Where am I going? I get those a lot, mostly when I’m brain-farting in aisle 9 of the grocery store. But also in a larger sense these days, and regarding many things, including my writing. The bliss of self-awareness and aging, amiright?I want there to be an *aboutness* to not only my work but my process. My lifestyle. My life, I suppose, if I’m going to be sloppy about the whole thing. Purpose in outcome, though, means purposeful input.These are not conversations that come up in my life often, especially in aisle 9 of the grocery store. So, in lieu of having a mentor – or at least a chatty package of erudite ramen – at the moment, I scour the world and bookshelves for wisdom.Here it abounds.In The Way of the Writer, Johnson fuses his philosophical background with insights on the craft, emphasizing discipline, the societal responsibility of writers, and the symbiosis of art and life. He underscores the importance of mentorship, drawing from his personal experiences, and presents writing as both a dedicated vocation and a reflection of life itself.It’s a soulful work chock full of anecdotes and classical references alike.Some readers have commented that Johnson’s work is self-focused. I disagree. His thinking (his writing) draws from deep wells of his world, his careers, and his studies, as we can and should draw from ours. His reflections on the cycle of artist – apprentice, journeyman, mentor, public intellectual, artist (with an eye towards cultural impact) — pull from his own life and allow for richly detailed and invaluable insights.Reading The Way of the Writer is like auditing a masterclass, yes, but also engaging in a deep tête-à-tête with a gifted storyteller. Johnson would be both a life-changing professor and a charming dinner companion.Not only has this work secured a place in my personal pantheon of craft books, but I will squeeze this book tightly to my chest. Literally. Metaphorically. Perhaps in aisle 9.Because that’s the kind of dork I am.

A wonderful book by an absolutely wonderful writer and scholar! Anyone wishing to know more about the art of writing should definitely acquire this book!

It’s informative and well written.

This ticked all my boxes.1) Always looked forward to reading this and always made time for it. ✔2) Ordered a print copy soon after starting the audiobook, to both have for my shelves and support the author. ✔3) Reached the final page and immediately wanted to flip back to the beginning and start the journey all over again. ✔I thought this was going to be a charming little writing book that would entertain, and possibly gleam a kernel or two of craft from, and then largely forget about once I’d moved on. But instead Charles Johnson hits you with decades of experience and knowledge that only a seasoned author and dedicated teacher can impart. In short—I loved this book and will be returning to it again in the future. 5/5

Putting this book down was not an option for me. This book was inspiring, enjoyable but most of all, was educational. This writer, author, philosopher, artist, etc., is a true scholar in my belief. I wished, I only had the chance to enroll in one or all of his classes, he taught as a professor. He even made me chuckle out loud at times, as I read through his book. He truly lives up to all the titles he has earned after his name, through hard work, dedication and a beautiful craft he learned well and willing to teach others. If only, I had the opportunity to learn from his gift. If only....

If you are an aspiring author or a veteran writer, you'll find this book insightful. Charles Johnson generously shares his philosophy about writing. It is comforting to learn that "Thinking is Writing" and "90% of Writing is Rewriting." The author is who we all aspire to be...published and respected. Charles Johnson is a legend.

I've learned to keep a dictionary right beside me. Language is wonderful and Charles Johnson challenges both writer and reader. .

Haven't finished reading yet but I like what I've read. Highly recommended by a friend to me to read.

What a wonderful way to learn about writing!!