The Art of Nonfiction: A Guide for Writers and Readers Paperback – February 1, 2001

Ayn Rand, the famous author of Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead and other books, and the founder of the philosophy of Objectivism, offered oral lectures to her followers on the art of writing nonfiction. Robert Mayhew rearranged the tapes of these lectures into a readable and helpful guide for writers and readers of nonfiction.Rand stresses clarity more than anything else. Writing skills, she says, are not mysterious. If people follow about a dozen rules and practice writing, they will write competent articles. Writers need to focus on their subject and theme. Then, before writing, compose an outline of what they intend to say.The subject must be stated simply, preferably in a single sentence. "I am going to write about... ." The theme is "What do I want to say about my subject and what is new about what I am saying?"Beginners must use a written outline of what they want to say and how it will be presented. Even experienced writers need an outline; however, it can be mental. The outline should address what their audience is interested in reading.Rand emphasizes that ideas come from the subconscious, Once writers know what they want to say, start writing and "let the words come automatically. Do not think over your sentences and do not (stop and) censor yourself...trust your subconscious. Give your subconscious the standing order that you are concerned only with your subject and the clearest presentation of it possible, and let that be the absolute directing your writing." Then, "In editing, you do the opposite: the dominant process involves your conscious mind."Rand emphasizes that the style and rhythm of writing is also subconscious, and is frequently ruined by conscious attempts at improvement in the initial process which should only be to get the ideas on paper.Rand mentions many things that authors should avoid. Writings should not be filled with generalities; it needs specifics. Readers should be able to see what you are mentioning through details, rather than being told about it. Writings should not preach, say something in a complicated fashion, and use hundred dollar words, pejorative adjectives, sarcasm, inappropriate humor, bromides, and unnecessary synonyms.Rand spices her book with examples from her writings and includes many interesting thoughts, such as: "the whole history of philosophy is a duel between Plato and Aristotle." Plato's thinking was somewhat other-worldly and mystical, while Aristotle, like Rand, focused on the facts of this world.Ayn Rand followed her teachings and presents a clear, detailed, down-to-earth guide for excellent writing.

The approach to the subject of writing nonfiction can cover a wide and varied subject area. This interesting and unique 192 page soft cover (The Art of Nonfiction: A guide for writers and readers by Ayn Rand) book is an example of a philosophical approach to writing nonfiction. In fact, if you are not familiar with some of the basic principles of Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism you may not grasp some of the points she makes in this text.I have not only read all her books but I have also taken a few formal courses on the philosophy of Objectivism many years ago which makes reading and understanding this book easy for me. Even though I have had literally thousands of articles, essays and reviews published the last 55 years I still learned a lot reading this book.This book was based upon a series of informal lectures given in 1969 to a select group of friends and associates of Ayn Rand. This is a very detailed approach to writing nonfiction which is of value to anyone interested in learning the basic principles involved in this craft. The topics covered in this book are as following: preliminary remarks, choosing a subject and theme, judging one’s audience, applying philosophy without preaching it, creating an outline, writing the draft, editing, style, book reviews, writing a book, selecting a title and acquiring ideas for writing.Even though it is helpful to know something about the philosophy of Objectivism you can still learn an enormous amount of practical ideas and information on how to write nonfiction articles, reviews and books from reading this text. I found it to be an enlightening reading experience.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Never Trust a Politician: A critical review of politics and politicians)

i haven't read it yet but non-fiction can be quite enjoyable!

The insights on the writing process Rand observes are simply the most penetrating I've ever come across. Some teachers will mimic her advice, but Rand understands why phases of a writing process are so useful, and how they integrate as a whole. The relation between the subconscious mind and writing are fascinating and I enjoyed it as much as a psychological study as a writing practicum.

As always, Ayn Rand writes clearly and with brilliant insights. She doesn’t just state something , but rationally explains WHY.

It reads of its' time. But the voice is so individual that Ayn Rand might only just have just finished speaking. She has her own philosophy, for sure, but then it just makes me wonder about all those other 'how to' books, and how they lack a personal philosophy, making them appear as if they are trying to appeal to the greatest number of writing wannabees, while really they lack concrete substance behind the writing of them. I read the first pages from the sample on Amazon, and I was hooked on her personal approach. There are no, what we no as 'sound-bytes' to tickle the wordly palette, just strong prose.

This book really helped me to demystify some ideas I had about writing. Rand's methodology it's clear and helpful in different aspects of writing and reading.

Perfect.