Musgrave Landing: Musings on the Writing Life

Joan Buchanan is a writing instructor and storyteller, and the author of
Taking Care of My Cold! and The Nana Rescue.

In this collection of newspaper columns, Susan Musgrave muses about
jargon, vacations, deadlines, literary parties, writer’s block,
writing retreats, getting grants, book tours, posthumous publishing,
teaching writing courses, being nominated for awards, and more. Although
Musgrave often resorts to sarcasm and hyperbole, there is much truth in
her reflections. Most writers have at some point experienced the book
signings at which no books are sold, or the book-tour reading at which
the author is “expected, afterward, to help stack the chairs.”

Other voices besides Musgrave’s are heard. “When I retire, I’m
going to write a book,” the neurosurgeon informs Margaret Atwood at a
literary gathering. “When I retire,” Atwood replies, “I’m going
to become a brain surgeon.” “I love being a writer,” says Peter De
Vries. “What I can’t stand is the paperwork.” This collection
hangs together well and is often funny. An enjoyable read, if at times a
prickly reminder of the difficult road the writer must hoe.