NONFICTION - July 2, 1995

WOMEN WHO WRITE by Lucinda Irwin Smith. (Julian Messner: $15; 228 pp.) Women writers who are just beginning to learn their craft will benefit most from Lucinda Irwin Smith’s collection of short, energetic interviews. Every possible format, from poetry to different types of fiction, journalism, plays and screenwriting is represented here, along with a gratifying mix of ages, personal styles and ethnic groups.

Many of Smith’s questions are the nuts and bolts variety--”Describe your writing environment,” “What is the most important advice you offer young writers?” “Are you disciplined with your writing?” These questions can be frustrating. Ultimately, it is irrelevant whether a writer as brilliant as Margaret Atwood “keeps little notes.” It might have been more revealing to see how she perceives her work in the larger context of feminist writing, or what role she thinks stories play in today’s culture.

Among Smith’s strongest interviews are mystery writer Sue Grafton and poet and performance artist Cheryl Marie Wade. In both cases, the questions are unusual and interesting, provoking responses that allow a reader to feel the vivid personalities and also to enjoy the intelligence of their answers.

The main focus of “Women Who Write” seems to be inspiring younger people to take a seat in front of an intimidating blank page. If more dedicated writers and readers are born as a result of this collection, then Smith has done an important job.