The Art of Nonfiction

By: Ayn Rand

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

In 1958, and again in 1969, Ayn Rand gathered a small group of her friends and acquaintances and gave an informal course on writing. At once a fascinating philosophical discourse on the art of creation and an invaluable guide for the aspiring writer, these edited transcripts are a treasure that will challenge, edify, and illuminate the way to more powerful writing.

Rand takes listeners step by step through the writing process, providing insightful observations and invaluable techniques along the way. She discusses the psychological aspects of writing and the roles played by the conscious and subconscious mind. She talks about articles and books, explaining how to select a subject and theme, how to identify your audience, and how to write the first draft.

Also, listen to the companion text, Ayn Rand's The Art of Fiction.©2001 Estate of Ayn Rand (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Ayn Rand is a writer of great power. She has a subtle and ingenious mind and the capacity of writing brilliantly, beautifully, bitterly." ( The New York Times Book Review)

Great for Beginners

Rand starts with first principles and provides a ground-up method for writing. This book teaches how to write, and also a productive way to think about writing. I have found this really helpful as a beginner.

Excellent

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

One interested in writing absolutely. Possibly even one who is not.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Excellent narration Great voice. Fits the content.

Which scene was your favorite?

The logical breakdown of how to write and how to give your subconscious standing-orders to help the process- also tactics for fatigue and writers block. just really excellent advice.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

Show a scene, don't tell it.

Any additional comments?

MUST READ FOR ANY ASPIRING AUTHOR NONFICTION OR OTHERWISE.

Great Content, but the narrator is annoying

I really like this book for what it has to say, but I wish they had gotten another narrator. The narrator takes the authors words and makes them sound arrogant and scolding, when I can't imagine that that tone of voice is what the author had in mind when she wrote those words. I'm learning a lot from this book, but it's taking a lot of work to get past the narrator's annoying tone and just listen to what the original intent of the author is. I really wish they'd re record this book with another narrator that doesn't sound so snotty.

Great technical book

Great performance
It's actually very interesting to read tips from a great writer on how to write

Many great tips for writing

This book has many great tips on how to write and how to review your work. Paraphrasing, it emphasizes that you should focus outwards on the problem, and not inwardly on how intelligent your writing makes you look.