Preface xi
Introduction: The Art of Slow Writing xv
Part 1 Getting Ready to Write
Introduction 3
1. Learning How to Work at Writing 7
2. Finding Our Own Rhythm 11
3. Where to Begin 15
4. Routine 19
5. Tools of the Trade 23
6. A Writer's Mise en Place 28
7. Deliberate Practice 33
8. Writing and Real Life 38
9. Raw Material 43
10. Walking and Inspiration 48
Part 2 A Writer's Apprenticeship
Introduction 55
11. Apprenticeship 59
12. Writing Outside and Elsewhere 63
13. Process Journal 67
14. Patience, Humility, and Respect 71
15. Learning How to Learn 76
16. Labor and Management 81
17. Game Plan 85
18. No Excuses 89
19. Writing Rehab 94
20. A Writer's Notebook 98
21. The Creative Act 102
22. Support for Our Work 106
23. Radical Work Takes Time 111
Part 3 Challenges and Successes
Introduction 117
24. Failure in the Middle 121
25. Doubt 125
26. Writing as Collaboration 129
27. Creative Problem Solving 134
28. Rejection Letters 139
29. Hailstorms 144
30. Turning the Corner 148
31. Practice Deciding 152
32. Successful Outcomes 157
33. Ship's Log 162
34. What Worked and Why 167
Part 4 Writers at Rest
Introduction 175
35. Dreaming and Daydreaming 179
36. Dumbstruck 184
37. Taking a Break 188
38. Why I'm a Writer Who Cooks 192
39. Slow Reading 196
40. Fresh Air 200
41. Waiting for an Answer 204
42. A New Perspective 208
43. What's in Your Drawer? 212
Part 5 Building a Book, Finishing a Book
Introduction 219
44. How Long Does It Take? 223
45. Over Time 227
46. Architecture and Design 231
47. Turning Pages into Book 235
48. Structuring Our Work 239
49. The Second Sleeve 243
50. Tied Up in Knots 247
51. Writing Partners 251
52. Revision 255
53. The Toughest Choice 259
54. Self-Censorship 263
55. The Finish Line 267
Epilogue: Beginning Again
Sources 277
Acknowledgments 305