How to Become a Writer (eBook)

Arnold Bennett (1867-1931), born Enoch Arnold Bennett, was a significant yet sometimes overlooked figure in the early 20th-century British literary scene. Bennett achieved acclaim through his prolific career as a novelist, playwright, and critic. His merits as an author were anchored in his unique blend of realism and detailed dissection of the everyday lives of people, particularly those hailing from the Five Towns of the Staffordshire Potteries, an area he immortalized through his works. Bennett's legacy extends beyond his fiction to contributions to journalism and practical advice on the literary craft, notably in 'How to Become a Writer' – a guide aspiring to aid writers in honing their skills in the face of emerging modernist trends. While Bennett's narrative style is at times criticized for its excessive focus on Edwardian-era realism, which contrasted sharply with the innovations brought forth by his contemporaries like Virginia Woolf, his novels such as 'The Old Wives' Tale' and 'Anna of the Five Towns' prevail as testaments to his narrative prowess and remain staples in the study of early modern British literature. Bennett's career is characterized by a commitment to exploring the fabric of the mundane and his influence persists through his insights into the craft of writing, offering a significant reflection on the literature of his time.