Craft in the Real World

Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping

by Matthew Salesses

4.6(338 ratings)

11 min read

Brief overview

This book encourages writers to rethink how culture, identity, and power inform every aspect of creative writing. It questions the notion of universal rules and offers new workshop models that place the writer’s intentions front and center. Expect to gain tools for crafting stories that truly reflect who you are and what you want to say.

Introduction

Are you ready to see fiction writing from a perspective that embraces real-world complexity? In *Craft in the Real World*, Salesses rethinks how we approach creative writing, especially through the lens of identity and culture. This new way of seeing “craft” turns standard assumptions on their head, reminding us that our personal experiences and the communities we come from deeply shape the stories we tell and how we tell them.

Traditional workshops often treat writing as if it exists in a vacuum. Salesses encourages us instead to notice how power, race, history, and gender impact every creative choice. In doing so, we discover that literary norms aren’t neutral. They’re inherited from cultural traditions that may or may not reflect the complexities of all voices in the room.

By examining these overlooked influences, Salesses urges writers to reclaim their agency. Rather than fighting an uphill battle to fit into a single mold, we can learn to work with multiple traditions. We can liberate our writing from the weight of narrow expectations and find language that speaks more honestly to our personal truths—and to the readers who need them.

The idea of ‘pure craft’ is a myth—every technique is shaped by culture, history, and power.

Craft Through a Cultural Lens

Salesses frames ‘craft’ as a set of shared expectations about what good writing looks like. These expectations have deep roots in cultural norms. For instance, the standard advice to avoid “telling” in favor of “showing” stems from a specific Western literary tradition. By acknowledging that different cultures emphasize different storytelling techniques—some value direct statements, others prefer subtlety—we begin to see that craft rules are anything but fixed or universal.

Such revelations matter because they shine a light on how writing classes or critique groups can unwittingly favor voices that align with the dominant culture. If an author’s style or subjects diverge from those expectations, they may be deemed “unpolished.” Salesses thus challenges us to ask: Who decided these rules, and who benefits from them?

The broader lesson is that we should question the notion of “correctness” in storytelling. Whether it’s dialogue tags or entire plot conventions, craft choices serve an audience. When we know whose preferences we’re catering to, we gain power to either adopt or reject those preferences for our own purposes. This awareness broadens what’s possible in our writing.

Craft is inseparable from identity. It does not exist outside of society, outside of culture, outside of power.

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What is Craft in the Real World about?

Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew Salesses is a refreshing examination of how fiction writing can be transformed when we acknowledge the deep impact of culture, identity, and power on the craft. The book challenges conventional writing rules and offers a new perspective on workshops, illustrating how they can genuinely support diverse voices. By prioritizing a writer's personal intention and cultural background, this book encourages aspiring writers to create stories authentic to their own experiences.

The power of Salesses' vision lies in its radical demand to reconsider accepted norms in writing and critique. Here, the cultural context takes center stage, advocating for an inclusive approach to crafting narratives that resonate with varied audiences. Through practical exercises and innovative workshop models, this book paves the road for writers to embrace their unique narrative voices, recognizing that no story exists in a vacuum.

Review of Craft in the Real World

Matthew Salesses provides a groundbreaking analysis of fiction writing, demonstrating its dependency on cultural and societal norms. Craft in the Real World challenges the orthodoxy of writing rules by illustrating how they often emerge from privileged perspectives. Salesses's ability to interweave cultural insights with narrative techniques sets this book apart, offering readers a roadmap to crafting stories that genuinely reflect diverse experiences.

Salesses deftly addresses key aspects of writing like character development and story structure, revealing how they can be inclusively reshaped. He offers practical tools and exercises that empower writers to discover their true audience and craft meaningful narratives. His instructive and conversational style ensures accessibility to writers at any stage, making complex ideas approachable without losing depth. This balance of rigorous analysis and practical application is where Salesses truly excels.

Ultimately, Craft in the Real World stands out as a crucial resource for writers eager to navigate their storytelling through the complex realities of identity and culture. It not only invites reflection upon conventional practices but provides actionable solutions, heralding a more inclusive way forward for literature. Whether a seasoned writer or a passionate newcomer, readers will find in this book both inspiration and guidance to craft with integrity.

No writer should miss this daring exploration of narrative craft; it is an invitation to create with purpose and authenticity in a complex, multifaceted world.

Who should read Craft in the Real World?

Aspiring novelists seeking to integrate personal and diverse experiences into their narratives will find valuable techniques for authentic storytelling.
Creative writing educators looking to enhance their workshop practices with inclusive methods that highlight varied cultural contexts.
Literary agents and editors interested in diversifying the voices and perspectives represented in published works.
Seasoned fiction writers who wish to challenge their own understanding of craft and expand their narrative capabilities.
Readers and book club members eager to gain a deeper understanding of how culture and identity intertwine with storytelling.

About the author

Matthew Salesses is a Korean American fiction writer, essayist, and Assistant Professor of Creative Writing. He earned a Ph.D. in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Houston and an M.F.A. in Fiction from Emerson College. Salesses is the author of eight books, including "Craft in the Real World," a Best Book of 2021 at NPR, Esquire, and Library Journal, which explores alternative models of craft and the writing workshop, especially for marginalized writers. He has received awards and fellowships from the PEN/Faulkner Foundation, Dublin Literary Award, Bread Loaf, and Glimmer Train, among others.