Story Telling
A Writing Life
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- Pre-Order
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- Expected 15 Sept 2026
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- 9,99 €
Publisher Description
A profound exploration of the art and magic of writing by New York Times bestselling author Isabel Allende.
In this deeply personal and insightful book, Isabel Allende delves into her creative process, reflecting on nearly half a century of writing that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
For Allende, writing is more than a craft. It is an addiction, a means of preserving memory, and a way to make sense of life. She offers readers an intimate glimpse into her creative world, where stories take shape through intuition, discipline, and deep connection to the human experience. It is also a glimpse into the life of a writer who views literature as a portal to understanding the chaos of life.
Story Telling is not a prescriptive guide to writing. Rather, it is a conversation. In it, Allende shares her triumphs, her mistakes, and the lessons learned through the challenges and joys of writing. She intertwines her own stories with invaluable wisdom for anyone pursuing the craft, making this book equally a memoir, a master class in the alchemy of storytelling, and a celebration of the enduring power of narrative.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this stirring memoir, Chilean American novelist Allende (My Name Is Emelia del Valle) details how her personal life has served as a "sacred place of inspiration" throughout her prolific literary career. She describes drawing on the rich cultural heritage and political upheavals of her native South America alongside more intimate sources of creativity, including her practice of writing letters to her mother and, heartbreakingly, the death of her daughter at age 28. She also offers practical advice for aspiring writers, exploring elements of craft such as structure and tone, explaining how one's family and friends can be catalysts for developing characters, and providing guidance for overcoming writer's block (she draws on her past as a journalist and starts writing nonfiction to get the ball rolling). Each chapter concludes with a section titled "Suggestions," which distills its key lessons into an accessible summary. Referencing the importance of preserving her own experiences and those of her loved ones, Allende writes that "memory and literature are inseparable, and they have defined me." In this wise, sincere reflection, she proves it.
