Review: The Virginia Woolf Writers' Workshop
Danell Jones's Guide to Writing Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry
Danell Jones's book, The Virginia Woolf Writers' Workshop: Seven Lessons to Inspire Great Writing (New York: Bantam Dell, 2007), gives a wealth of advice on the art of writing. This slim book is packed full of writing exercises, anecdotes of Woolf as a writer, and reading suggestions. Experienced authors will find writing inspiration by learning more about Woolf's publishing career, while beginning authors will benefit from the wide variety of writing exercises.
Virginia Woolf as Writer
Although Virginia Woolf obviously never led writing workshops and very rarely appeared in the classroom, Jones allows us to imagine her as a creative writing instructor. The first half of the book is devoted to Woolf's ideas on writing, with distinct chapters on separate themes: practicing, working, creating, walking, reading, publishing, and doubting.
Each section includes excerpts from Woolf's letters, journals, and published writings to create the workshop atmosphere of the book. Jones sprinkles information about Virginia's Woolf creative personality throughout each chapter, which distinguishes this book from other writing books. By incorporating excerpts from Woolf's letters and other writings, she both brings the author to life and reinforces the applicability of each lesson.
Of special interest is the chapter on reading, where Jones reveals more about Woolf's educational background. Using Woolf's voice, Jones notes that "reading . . . is a way to get ready to write because it prepares the mind to create" (51). Reading this book effortlessly inspires its audience to create by staying focused on the difficult process of maintaining a writing practice.
Writing Exercises: Inspiration for Poets and Fiction/Nonfiction Writers
Jones puts her readers to work in the second part of the book by including numerous writing prompts. The genres of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction are all represented, and Jones includes many exercises that are inspired by Woolf's own writing. Both the fiction writing exercises and poetry exercises are diverse and interesting, and composition instructors may be inspired by Jones's suggestions for essay prompts.
In addition, Jones includes all the sources of Woolf quotations that have appeared throughout the text, allowing her readers to continue their exploration of Woolf and her work. Aspiring writers will especially want to check out A Writer's Diary: Being Extracts from the Diary of Virginia Woolf, which Jones draws on throughout the text.
Like Woolf, Jones is a published author across multiple genres, and her work has appeared in publication such as British Writers and Denver Quarterly. Unfortunately, Jones does not discuss her own writing experience, which would have added depth to her discussion of the writing process, particularly since she is a respected Woolf scholar.
Nevertheless, creative writers at all levels will want to include this book in their libraries for its stimulating writing exercises and inspiring text.
References:
Jones, Danell. The Virginia Woolf Writers' Workshop: Seven Lessons to Inspire Great Writing. New York: Bantam Dell, 2007.
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