Our Craft of Writing<\/p>\n
By Kate Chamberlin<\/p>\n
We know that to be a writer, you must write and re-write.\u00a0 You also must read and re-read.\u00a0 I<\/p>\n
suggest that \u201cThe Art of Racing in the Rain\u201d by Garth Stein is an excellent book to read first for the enjoyment of the story.\u00a0 Then, after you\u2019ve composed yourself , re-read it to study the craft of writing.<\/p>\n
In a nut shell, the story conveys \u201c\u2026life, like racing, isn\u2019t just about going fast. Having learned from his master, Denny Swift, what it takes to be a\u00a0 compassionate and successful person,\u00a0 the wise canine, Enzo, can barely wait until his next life-time, when he is sure he will return\u00a0 as a man.\u201d<\/p>\n
The story is \u201c\u2026A heart-wrenching, but deeply funny,\u00a0 and ultimately up-lifting\u00a0 story of family, loyalty,\u00a0 and hope\u2026.a look at the wonders and absurdities of life as only a dog could tell it.\u201d<\/p>\n
When you re-read the story, note how the characters are developed, what actions compel you to like or dislike them;\u00a0 the fore-shadowing to set up tension, drama, and suspense, not to mention emotion;\u00a0 the handling of flash-backs that are logical rather than confusing; the use of metaphors;\u00a0 the use of repetition of certain phrases throughout the story; as well as many other techniques to bring the story to its conclusion.<\/p>\n