NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2011, Englewood Review of Books & Hearts and Minds Books
An Annie Dillard-style writing book that follows the writer’s life as much as her philosophy about creativity and writing.
Aspiring and accomplished writers will find a place to breathe, in both the memoir-stories and tips that seamlessly address major aspects of creative life—from inspiration to individual voice; from helpful habits, networking and publishing, to reasons we create and write.
Says the first chapter, “There are so many things standing in my way this morning, I can hardly begin. Yet I’ve heard there are rumors of water. Maybe that is enough.” And apparently it is.
Words About Rumors of Water
One of the most beautiful books on the art & craft of writing that I’ve ever read.
—Amazon reviewer, Diana Trautwein
A few brave writers pull back the curtain to show us their creative process. Annie Dillard did this. So did Hemingway. Now L.L. Barkat has given us a thoroughly modern analysis of writing. Practical, yes, but also a gentle uncovering of the art of being a writer.
—Gordon Atkinson, author of Turtles All the Way Down
The real beauty of this book is the truth it teaches slant: good and beautiful and honest writing comes from a life that pursues the same. This is not just a book about writing well, it’s a book about living well.
—Leslie Leyland Fields, author of Surviving the Island of Grace and The Spirit of Food, and columnist for Christianity Today