Zen in the art of writing
by Ray Bradbury · first published 1990
100% recommend
Why HN recommends it
A short collection of essays on creativity and craft, drawn from Bradbury's own writing life. Its passion for writing and imagination stands out, making it suited to anyone interested in fiction or creative work.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
"Every morning I jump out of bed and step on a land mine. The land mine is me. After the explosion, I spend the rest of the day putting the pieces back together. Now, it's your turn. Jump!" Zest. Gusto. Curiosity. These are the qualities every writer must have, as well as a spirit of adventure. In this exuberant book, the incomparable Ray Bradbury shares the wisdom, experience, and excitement of a lifetime of writing. Here are practical tips on the art of writing from a master of the craft—everything from finding original ideas to developing your own voice and style—as well as the inside st
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…Gary Blake & Robert W. Bly 7. The Art of Scientific Writing - Ebel, Bliefert, Russey 8. Writers Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing - Michelle Rubert (ed.) 9. On Writing - Stephen King 10. Zen In The Art of Writing - Ray Bradbury 11. Eats, Shoots & Leaves - Lynne Truss 12. Where Do You Get Your Ideas - Fred White 13. The Complete Guide to Article Writing - Naveed Saleh 14. HBR Guide To Better Business Writing…
on “Ask HN: How to become a better at writing?” ↗"Zen in the Art of Writing: Essays on Creativity" is a short book that anyone that has any interest in Ray Bradbury's work or in fiction writing should read. "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg and "Influence: The Psychology…
on “Ask HN: What are your favorite non-fiction books of all time?” ↗…that drives you to solve a series of problems that lead to game creation. A relevant short essay: "Drunk, and in Charge of a Bicycle" by Ray Bradbury. (And probably the rest of the essays in his book, "Zen in the Art of Writing"...) (Note: I have a game in the iOS App Store)
on “Ask HN: Recommend resources that helped your game dev journey?” ↗We've lost a brilliant voice. My favorite quote of his, from "Zen in the Art of Writing": "And what, you ask, does writing teach us? First and foremost, it reminds us that we are alive and that it is gift and a privilege, not a right. We must earn life once it has been awarded us. Life…
on “R.I.P. Ray Bradbury, Author of Fahrenheit 451 and The Martian Chronicles ” ↗All excellent recommendations. I would add to these, Bird by Bird and Zen in the Art of Writing.
on “The Elements of Style [pdf]” ↗