Unless It Moves the Human Heart

Multiple award-winner Roger Rosenblatt has received glowing critical acclaim for his exceptional literary works—from the hilarious novels Lapham Rising and Beet to his poignant, heartbreaking, ultimately inspiring memoir Making Toast. With Unless It Moves the Human Heart, the revered novelist, essayist, playwright, and respected writing teacher offers a guidebook for aspiring authors, a memoir, and an impassioned argument for the necessity of writing in our world. In the tradition of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, Rosenblatt’s Unless It Moves the Human Heart provides practical insights and advice on the craft, exquisitely presented by one of contemporary literature’s living treasures.

What does it truly take to write something that matters?

• Practical Writing Advice: Step inside a fictionalized writing workshop where Rosenblatt tackles the essential questions of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry with his signature humor and wisdom.
• Inspirational for Writers: An impassioned argument for why writing is not just a craft but a necessity, and how to create work that is both skillful and profoundly useful to the world.
• Finding Your Voice: Go beyond simple rules to discover what makes your writing authentic, and learn to trust the story that only you can tell.
• For Fans of Bird by Bird: A perfect blend of memoir, encouragement, and no-nonsense guidance on the art of writing, delivered by a celebrated literary master.