A Manifesto of Policy and Perspective

Like any manifesto, the book argues for a change in perspective and behavior in relation to a particular aspect of society or identity – in this case, the nature and function of art, particularly writing. The fulcrum or focus of its argument is that fiction writing, and other forms of art that are primarily defined by elements of craft, have less to offer in terms of meaning and truth than forms of art that are primarily defined by elements of personal experience and insight.

The main focus of the book’s explorations of this idea is written art – specifically, on the differences in value between fiction and non-fiction. Truths in a work of fiction, the book claims, are defined more by the requirements of a plot and the dictates of authorial intention. At the same time, the book also argues that truths in a...