In this unique collection of essays, published writers offer an intimate view of how their work has been informed, shaped and transformed by their literary, political, philosophical or personal influences. Providing models of the critical commentaries that all students of creative writing must write, each essay from contemporary authors of fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, scripts and digital writing demonstrates how what writers write is determined by what they have read, and what they read is then determined by what they are writing. As writers reflect on their process of moving from sources of inspiration to a finished and original piece of writing, they reveal their anxieties, passions, discoveries and motivations, offering fascinating insights into the imagination's journey. Introductory chapters explore why writers reflect on their own work, and place this practice in wider contexts, offering theoretical frameworks for understanding process, influence, and inspiration.

As illuminating for aspiring writers as it is for students reflecting on their research and process as part of writing courses, Creative Writing and the Critical Commentary will change the way writers talk about and engage with other texts.

Providing models of the critical commentary all creative writing students must complete, this collection of essays from published writers offers an insight into how their work has been informed by their literary, political, philosophical or personal influences.

About the Author

Karen Stevens is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Chichester, UK, where she specializes in teaching fiction. She is an author and editor, and has edited two critical and creative anthologies: Writing a First Novel: Reflections on the Journey (2014) and High Spirits: A Round of Drinking Stories (2018). Her debut collection of short stories Brilliant Blue (2025) was published with Barbican Press.

Jonathan Taylor is Associate Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Leicester, UK. An author, editor, lecturer and critic, his books include the short story collection, Scablands and Other Stories (2023), and two memoirs, A Physical Education: On Bullying, Discipline & Other Lessons (2024), and Take Me Home (2007).

Reviews
This book opens the door to the mirror-world of Creative Writing and reveals the art behind the art. Clear-sighted, rigorous and genuinely illuminating, it shows students and writers how reflective practice can sharpen craft, deepen self-knowledge and turn process into insight. Drawing together incisive theory, practical guidance and exemplary commentaries by leading author-academics, it addresses a long-neglected gap in Creative Writing pedagogy. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand not only how to write, but how to think as a writer. * Professor David Morley FRSL, Warwick Writing Programme, Warwick University *



Book Information
ISBN 9781350439894
Author Dr Karen Stevens
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 251g
Dimensions(mm) 232mm * 152mm * 18mm