Smiley had written one of those books about books rather than writing, which are just as helpful, or perhaps more helpful, than craft books (although this particular book is also about writing).

Anyway, 13 Ways was released in hardback in October, and will be available in paperback this April.

I'm quoting from the Amazon blurb:

Over her 20-year career, Jane Smiley has written many kinds of novels - mystery, comedy, historical fiction, epic. But when her impulse to write faltered after 9/11, she decided to approach novels from a different angle: she read 100 of them, from the 1000-year-old "Tale of Genji" to the recent bestseller "White Teeth" by Zadie Smith, from classics to little-known gems. With these books and her experience of reading them as her reference, Smiley discusses the pleasure of reading; why a novel succeeds or doesn't; and how the form has changed over time. She delves into the character of the novelist and reveals how (and which) novels have affected her own life. Smiley takes us deep into the process of novel-writing, sharing the secrets of her own habits and theories of creativity. She offers priceless practical advice to aspiring writers, and even walks us through the publication of her most recent novel, "Good Faith". And in an appendix - one of the most compelling and intelligent reading lists ever compiled - Smiley considers individually the 100 novels she read, giving us a brief but cogent description of each, along with her own opinions and interpretations.

This sounded interesting so I had a look on Amazon for it. It's not cheap. Have you read the hardback, Anisoara, or any of her other books on writing?

There's a paperback coming out, I think in April... Have to check Amazon to be sure. I have read an article by Jane Smiley about rewriting/revision which I though was excellent; I would expect 13 Ways to be of high calibre.

Thanks, I'll look out for it. I like the idea of a book that looks at the novel from the point of view of a reader as well as a writer.

Me too.

Looks really interesting.

Emma

Sounds really interesting - I've ordered it on amazon so will let you know what I think.

That's great. I'll look forward to reading your comments, Darren.

I'll post it in the reviews section.

I have it in my hot little hands now. It's one of those books which has rough page edges, like my versions of the Iliad and Odyssey. Can't wait to get started on it!

Oh good!

Can't wait to hear what you think.

Ani