I just finished “Dear Money” by Martha McPhee, a wonderful novel about a novelist who becomes bond trader in pre-mortgage loan meltdown Manhattan. I loved the plot, cared about the characters, and sort of binged on the luxury of the author’s well-crafted sentences. Do hunt down this book!
I like writers as characters. I’m going to share more books and films that feature a writer as a main character. If you can recommend any titles, share them in the comments.
The books sounds great, and how wonderful of Ms. McPhee to respond. Lots of good recommendations there.
Thank you, Paula. I’m thrilled you enjoyed Dear Money. Writers as characters: George Gissing’s New Grub Street; Atonement by Ian McEwan; The Information by Martin Amis; I am just reading The Children’s Book by A.S. Byatt and this too is about a writer … of children’s books. There are a lot. I look forward to hearing of more books. And again thank you very much. Best, Martha McPhee
Great! Love the recommendation, and love the writer swingin’ by!
Wait, does this mean she’s going to contribute some flash fiction, too?!?
I’m in the middle of Dean Koontz’s Lightning right now in which the main character is a female writer. I had no idea what to expect when I started it. In fact, I misremembered the title that a friend recommended when I picked this one up. I can say that it’s been quite entertaining so far – better than Watchers (also by Koontz), which I recently finished. I do have to wonder how much of the story is just the actual author’s fantasies written out. On the other hand, isn’t that what fiction is in the first place?
Here’s another one! The Writing Circle by Corinne Demas
Sounds good: A tale of love, betrayal, and literature: the story of six members of an elite writing circle who share much more than their works-in-progress.
http://www.corinnedemas.com/books/writingcircle.htm
Brett, if you like dogs, get Dean Koontz’s nonfiction book about his great dog. It’s a wonderful read. Meanwhile, I put Lightning on my list!