Write Moves: A Creative Writing Guide and Anthology

by Nancy Pagh

Write Moves is an invitation for the student to understand and experience creative writing in the larger frame of humanities education. The practical instruction offered comes in the form of “moves” or tactics for the apprentice writer to try. But the title also speaks to a core value of this that creative writing exists to move us. The book focuses on concise, human-voiced instruction in poetry, the short story, and the short creative nonfiction essay. Emphasis on short forms allows the beginning student to appreciate lessons in craft without being overwhelmed by lengthy model texts; diverse examples of these genres are offered in the anthology.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Teaching

448 pages, Paperback

Published August 4, 2016

Reviews

[Adam Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I haven't read it cover-to-cover, but most of it, as required for class. There's a good collection of literature in its pages, but the bulk of the main text comes off as platitudes that overshadow the technical information on craft.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this book for school--only parts of it, but it was enough for me. I really did not enjoy it. Sure, the author put out some valuable points to remember while writing, but it was so full of trash that there was no point in keeping the book after I had to buy it (for an overly high price).

Content:
Language--so much language. F words, s words, all of the above (lol)?
Sexy stuff/Romance--I didn't read all the stories--tried to read as little as possible, but sometimes during class we had to read stories out loud and some made me horribly uncomfortable. Several mature stories, at least one gay story. There was one thing about a brothel. *eye roll* (I'm just like...HOW IMMATURE DO PEOPLE HAVE TO GET TO THINK ITS COOL) Also slight mentions of people being naked--though since it's "poetic" it's written differently?
Violence--some graphically violent stories. One that we had to read was about the 9/11 and talked about people jumping out of the buildings and blood spraying and stuff. XP
Other--false doctrine. Some stories take verses from the bible and twist them into meaning something else when in fact the writer needs to use context.


See you later while I go scrub my eyes out.

[kautaru · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read all of this book, in fact, I haven't read much of this book at all, but let's just pretend I have ;)
Pretty informational, and I love all the examples given throughout the book. Didn't even know that creative non-fiction was a thing before reading this lol
Again, why do creative writers feel the need to write about sexual experiences?? I mean, really, is there nothing else to write about?

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good collection of written works I read for an English composition class. The class was amazing and the book goes along great with it! I like that it covers multiple types of writing, and provides a lot of advice on how to approach a story and express yourself. I think it would be useful for anyone who wants to improve their writing ability.

[Jordyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for class, some of the information was helpful, and some of it was a tad overkill. The readings outside of the chapters were helpful to see how various authors wrote, and to give you ideas on how to begin your own.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely more directed at beginner writers but has some helpful tips. The anthology at the back also has a nice collection of work.

[SJ lynskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for English class in parts throughout the semester. I really loved the stories and poetry it compiled! Some of my old and new favorites in this book!

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

it was okay I feel like it could have gone more in depth in the actual content

[Dawn Web · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful. Leaving a large imprint in my mind lending my hand to my pen to publish my first book!

[Kyra Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a very beginning writer- had only done essays prior. I really appreciated this book!