Nelson's smart and lively commentary and the richly illuminating interview selections flow together smoothly, and aspiring writers will find genuinely useful advice and inspiration in these invaluable, enjoyable volumes.

Booklist

At its best, the collection captures the spark of a live conversation, balancing practical insight with moments of genuine delight. Less how-to manual than a mosaic of perspectives, this will be a boon to aspiring writers.

Publishers Weekly

Through his careful research and humorous goading, Dean Nelson removes the mystery of writing and publishing in this delightful compilation of wisdom. He facetiously claimed that my being part of his Writer's Symposium was the pinnacle of his career. I'm betting the wide appeal of this book will prove him wrong.

Amy Tan, author of The Backyard Bird Chronicles

Dean Nelson is a national treasure who loves the written word and honors the craft of writing by encouraging those who long to express themselves to get out there and do it. In Talking to Writers, he offers genuinely helpful advice about how to get started-and how to keep going. Weaving together his insightful conversations with writers and his own reflections, Nelson inspires everyone who has stared at a blank screen to marry confidence with constructive self-criticism, and to allow their doubts to dissolve into hope.

E. J. Dionne Jr., author of Why Americans Hate Politics and Our Divided Political Heart

I have done a number of interviews with Dean Nelson over the years, and there is no one I prefer to talk to more. His questions are always probing and meaningful, leading to illuminating conversations about writing and life.

Anne Lamott, political activist and writer, author of Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Dean is a warm, well-prepared, magnanimous, funny, and absolutely terrific interviewer.

Anthony Doerr, author of All the Light We Cannot See and Cloud Cuckoo Land