title: The Way of the Writer: Reflections on the Art and Craft of Storytelling
author:  Charles Johnson 
description: "Charles Johnson has given us a book that will hopefully place a gentle but firm hand on the shoulder of every writer. Here are short essays offering advice, writing life insight and encouragement to anyone wishing to master the art of storytelling. Johnson's book is a reminder that good writing consists of more than sleeping with the dictionary. It requires a major commitment to the love of language."-- <b>E. Ethelbert Miller, award-winning poet and 2016 recipient of the Association of Writers &amp; Writing Programs George Garrett Award for Outstanding Community Service in Literature</b><br /><br />"Charles Johnson here providesas his subtitle promises'reflections on the art and craft of storytelling.' Its a welcome addition to the small shelf of useful books on the way of the writer and one that belongs with those of his mentor, John Gardner. Here the writer links the personal with the professional in ways that both inspire and instruct. Use this book (a) to deepen your familiarity with the work of a distinguished author, (b) to understand how serious practitioners address their art and (c) to improve your own."--<b>Nicholas Delbanco, author of <i>The Years </i></b><br /><br />Those of us who put pen to paper for a living have known of Charles Johnson for a very long time. He is one of Americas greatest literary treasures. He is a skilled wordsmith, superb craftsman, master of understatement, philosopher, cartoonist, and deeply talented novelist whose 1991 novel <i>Middle Passage</i>, (which won the National Book Award for fiction) predates the current surfeit of Underground Railroad novels by a good two decades. Like the great Ralph Ellison to whom he is often compared, he will forever cast a long shadow over us who follow in his wake. Here he graciously opens up the treasure chest of writing secrets and philosophy for those of us who seek to kneel at the tree of learning, told by a man who has kissed the black stone of literary excellence.<b>James McBride, National Book Award-winning author of <i>The Good Lord Bird </i>and <i>The Color of Water</i></b><br /><br />"If you're looking to learn to tell stories in written form, look no further. This book is as accessible as it is profound, lively, practical, and full of earned wisdom. I was a student of Charles Johnson's, and can vouch for the power and value of his teaching. There are plenty of craft books available out there, but this is the only one I know of that is--and I don't think I'm exaggerating--indispensable."--<b>David Guterson, author of <i>Snow Falling on Cedars</i></b><br /><br />"This is a book for many readers. If you are an aspiring writer, the path that Dr. Johnson sets out is a clear guide to your destinationwhether you become a best-selling novelist or a top non-fiction writer or not. You will find a compass in this book that will direct you towards a real way that will fulfill your efforts. There is much practical advice and worldview wisdom here that will sustain you in your journey. Those who are on a different path (as readers) will also find fulfillment here. Dr. Johnson sets out original and illuminating guides on how to confront literary fictionespecially philosophical fiction. These reflections advance critical theory toward literature that is, itself, philosophy. This is a must-buy for both of these travelers. The destination will more than reward the price of the ticket."--<b>Michael Boylan, Professor of Philosophy, Marymount University and author of <i>Naked Reverse: A Novel</i></b><br /><br />"An honest, engaging, and wonderfully inspiring book for both writers and teachers. Charles Johnsons deep intelligence, joyful rigor and refreshing iconoclasm are evident in every subject he covers here. Philosophical and practical<i>, The Way of the Writer</i> is sure to become a classic in the mold of John Gardners excellent books on writing."--<b>Dana Spiotta, author of <i>Innocentsand Others</i></b><br /><br />"Ameditation on the meaning of literature and practical guide to the art and craft of writing fiction."--<b><i>Library Journal</i></b><br /><br />Charles Johnson has a long-standing reputation as one of the worlds greatest fiction writers. Now in this brilliant new book, <i>The Way of the Writer</i>, he offers us an eclectic meditation on the storytellers craft that is by turns memoir, instructional guide, literary critique, and philosophical treatise. Every reader will be deeply enriched by the book.<b>Jeffery Renard Allen, author of <i>Song of the Shank</i> and <i>Rails Under My Back</i></b><br /><br />All writers will welcome the useful tips and exercises, but the book will also appeal to readers interested in literature and the creative process. Johnsons wonderful prose will engage readers to think more deeply about how to tell a story and consider the truth-telling power of the arts.-<i>-<b>Library Journal</b></i><b> STARRED review</b><br /><br />Throughout, Johnsons voice is generous and warm, even while he is cautioning writers to be their own ruthless editors. A useful writing guide from an experienced practitioner.<b><i>Kirkus Reviews</i></b>
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  ## PRAISE FOR KENNETH JOHNSON
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ### FICTION
  
  
  
  
  
  “Johnson successfully draws the reader into the emotional turmoil that his
  characters experience. Indeed, one of the strengths of Johnson’s writing is
  how much we come to care for the characters and their journeys . . . He is
  above all else a visually-oriented writer, and is intent on creating memorable
  visuals.”
  
  
  —[BookPleasures.com](http://BookPleasures.com)
  
  
  “Johnson is especially effective . . . at introducing disparate, unrelated
  stories and slowly having them collide with one another throughout the course
  of the story.”
  
  
  —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
  
  
  “Without question Kenneth Johnson is the closest our generation will come to
  the great Rod Serling. His understanding of the human mind has created some of
  the most developed and understood characters ever. When Kenneth Johnson puts
  something out, it is always quality.”
  
  
  —[ScaredStiffReviews.com](http://ScaredStiffReviews.com)
  
  
  ## FILM
  
  
  
  
  
  “The cerebral Kenneth Johnson, who