Racing in the Rain

Our Craft of Writing

By Kate Chamberlin

We know that to be a writer, you must write and re-write.  You also must read and re-read.  I

suggest that “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein is an excellent book to read first for the enjoyment of the story.  Then, after you’ve composed yourself , re-read it to study the craft of writing.

In a nut shell, the story conveys “…life, like racing, isn’t just about going fast. Having learned from his master, Denny Swift, what it takes to be a  compassionate and successful person,  the wise canine, Enzo, can barely wait until his next life-time, when he is sure he will return  as a man.”

The story is “…A heart-wrenching, but deeply funny,  and ultimately up-lifting  story of family, loyalty,  and hope….a look at the wonders and absurdities of life as only a dog could tell it.”

When you re-read the story, note how the characters are developed, what actions compel you to like or dislike them;  the fore-shadowing to set up tension, drama, and suspense, not to mention emotion;  the handling of flash-backs that are logical rather than confusing; the use of metaphors;  the use of repetition of certain phrases throughout the story; as well as many other techniques to bring the story to its conclusion.

“The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein ; read by Peter Gannum, October, 2008  RC66787; Bright White Light, llc/Harper Collins Publisher;  321 pages.  www.artofracingintherain.com.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this story and the craft of writing.

Kate Chamberlin

Author:  “The Night Search”, “Green Trillium”, “Charles and David”

Contributor:  “Behind Our Eyes, An Anthology…”

Staff editor:  Magnets and Ladders, An On-line Literary Magazine

www.katechamberlin.com