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Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer's Life (Paperback)

Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer's Life (Paperback)

Best price now

$3.79at alibrisChecked Nov 8

67% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

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Price facts

  • Last seen at $3.79 at alibris on Nov 8.
  • Checked at 3 stores.

Our take on the Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer's Life (Paperback)

Writing Past Dark is Bonnie Friedman's essay collection on the emotional side of writing: envy, fear, distraction, and the long silence between drafts. It is memoir and craft advice in one, built from her own years of false starts and published work. It suits writers stuck mid-project or afraid to begin, and it reads more personally than rule-based craft books like Bird by Bird or The Elements of Style. Readers who want exercises and structure will find less of that here; those who want company in the struggle tend to finish it feeling seen.

Best forBlocked or stalled writersGraduate and workshop studentsAnyone writing a first bookReaders of literary memoir on craft
Pros
  • Short, self-contained chapters that are easy to return to
  • Honest about envy and comparison, which most craft books skip
  • Mixes personal story with practical reflection
  • Useful for fiction and nonfiction writers alike
  • A common pick for writing courses and book clubs
Cons
  • Few concrete exercises or step-by-step techniques
  • The reflective tone moves slowly for readers wanting rules
  • Examples lean on the author's own experience rather than a wide range of writers
  • Some chapters circle the same themes

Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer's Life (Paperback) prices at every store

  • alibrisNew

    In stock

    $3.79Checked Nov 8
    Visit alibris
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $11.50+ $6.99 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Walmart
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $12.79+ $5.99 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Target

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer's Life (Paperback) price history

Lowest price we've seen: $3.79 on Nov 9 at alibris. Tracked across 3 stores since Nov 9.

What reviewers say

Writers describe it as one of the few books that addresses the emotional blocks behind procrastination and envy rather than only technique. Many say it helped them keep writing through doubt. A minority find it too introspective and light on practical instruction.

What people mention
  • Emotional blocksPraisedReaders say it puts words to envy, fear and distraction that stall a writing life.
  • Practical adviceMixedSome find the reflection useful; others want more exercises and technique.
  • PaceCriticisedA few readers find the essayistic chapters slow and repetitive.
  • CompanionshipPraisedWriters value the sense of a mentor who has struggled the same way.

Specifications

Format
PaperbackSource
Language
English, GermanSource
Genre
Contemporary Fiction, Study Books, Literature Studies, Psychology & PedagogySource

Questions and answers

Is this a craft manual or a memoir?
Mostly memoir and reflection. It offers insight into the writing life rather than step-by-step instruction, though the lessons are practical in spirit.
Who is it best for?
Writers who are blocked, comparing themselves to others, or afraid to start. It also works well in workshops and writing courses.
How does it compare with Bird by Bird?
Both mix personal story with advice. Friedman focuses more on envy and fear; Anne Lamott offers more humor and concrete writing tips.
Can I read it out of order?
Yes. The chapters are short and largely self-contained, so many readers dip in one essay at a time.
What language is it available in?
The book is published in English and has also appeared in German translation.
Where is the Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer's Life (Paperback) cheapest?
At alibris, for $3.79, 67% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer's Life (Paperback)?
3 stores we checked sell it, including alibris, Walmart, Target.

Stores we've priced the Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer's Life (Paperback) at

  • Target deals and prices
  • Walmart deals and prices

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