Drawing on the lessons learned throughout a distinguished writing career and nearly 20 years as a teacher of creative writing, McCann delivers a collection of essays that combines practical advice, creative inspiration, and a profound call to arms for a new generation of writers to bring truth and light to a dark world through their art. Addressing subjects such as The Terror of the White Page, Embrace the Critics, and If You're Done, You've Just Begun, this collection is a testament to the bruises of writing as profession and as calling, and a paean to the power of language.