Method Writing: The Craft of the Invisible Form, The First Four Concepts

by Jack Grapes

Method Writing is a powerful approach to finding your deep voice and activating the creative process. Based on a series of concepts and exercises Grapes has used in his writing workshops over the last 30 years, METHOD WRITING does more than describe techniques, it takes you step-by-step through a process that will empower your writing and make it unique.

Genres: Writing

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Paula Cappa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book for sure. Based on the idea that creativity is a process, “not a prescription for product,” Grapes says a writer needs to allow for the accident of genius in that first draft especially. Discovery has a big role to play here and getting lost is the path. Follow no maps. Fix on no destinations. Risk it and let process take you fast into that first draft. As a writer myself, I really like this approach. Grapes spends a lot of time on the invisible motor, Voice—the tone, the rhythms, the dynamic flow of energy. He devotes a whole chapter and more on finding that deep voice and identifying the four different voices.

I liked his exercise in exploring what he calls the transformation line. Big self-discoveries here and it works a bit like therapy. This power tool feeds what is termed the image/moment concept. While I can't describe it here, I will say the image/moment technique can crack open any writer to discover not only drama and description, but real time vs. psychological time in scenes. You will find insights on disquieting muses, Surrealism, and giving space and taking space. Method Writing is certainly a gem for any serious writer who desires more than the traditional path to creative writing. This is the unpath. Highly recommended.

[Serin Silva]

A book about writing that is quite different from the rest. Jack Grapes is highly knowledgeable in his craft. The next best thing to doing a class with Jack Grapes.

[RoadKing50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great suggestions and insights for becoming a better writer. His notion of 'image moments' as a way of creating psychological time is worth the price of the book alone.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished his class too. I'm signing up for the next one. Loved it!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I’ve had the opportunity to be in Jack’s class on Zoom - thank you, pandemic!