On Writing and Failure

Or, the Peculiar Perseverance Required to Endure the Life of a Writer

By: Stephen Marche

Narrated by: Stephen Marche

Writing is, and always will be, an act defined by failure. The best plan is to just get used to it.

Failure is a topic discussed in every creative writing department in the world, but this is the book every beginning writer should have on their shelf to prepare them. Less a guide to writing and more a guide to what you need to continue existing as a writer, On Writing and Failure: Or, On the Peculiar Perseverance Required to Endure the Life of a Writer describes the defining role played by rejection in literary endeavors and contemplates failure as the essence of the writer’s life. Along with his own history of rejection, Marche offers stories from the history of writerly failure, from Ovid’s exile and Dostoevsky’s mock execution to James Baldwin's advice just to endure, where living with the struggle and the pointlessness of writing is the point.

©2023 Stephen Marche (P)2023 Field Notes

Critic reviews

“The Canadian novelist and essayist describes the defining role rejection has played in his career and reflects on its importance in the lives of notable writers, from Ovid to Dostoyevsky and Baldwin.” — New York Times

“[Marche's] writing style is buoyant and funny. [...] When the stars are aligned, someone writes a work as provocative, informed and droll as On Writing and Failure.” — Maureen Corrigan, NPR

“On Writing and Failure: Or, On the Peculiar Perseverance Required to Endure the Life of a Writer must be considered essential reading for anyone seeking to write for a living, be it as a novelist, essayist, poet, columnist, or any other writing genre. Itself exceptionally well written.” — Midwest Book Review

Straightforward and insightful

Exactly what I would expect from Stephan, he doesn’t sugarcoat, but I think he’s right. Insightful. Rich in his research. I really enjoyed this piece.

Best Writing book in print

Absolutely loved this writer’s narrative of how complex a writer’s journey can be. Marche is funny, authentic, and candid. I loved this book and bought several copies for gifts.