It’s such a simple idea, really—as good ideas usually are—that surprise is a key element in our work as writers. But somehow, I hadn’t grabbed onto that idea until I took a workshop with Bret Anthony Johnston who believes wholeheartedly…
The Art of History, Christopher Bram Graywolf Press, 2016 A recent addition to Graywolf’s wonderful “Art of…” series of books, The Art of History is a terrific resource for any writer. Although writers of historical fiction may be the primary…
Here’s a quick look at some of the great books out during the first week of November. Happy pub day to all! John Banville, Mrs. Osmond Knopf From Kirkus Reviews: “A sequel to The Portrait of a Lady that may well delight…
We are often as familiar with the settings in our fiction as we are with our own homes and towns. We know in which drawer Ariel keeps her revolver; we know how how long it takes to get to the…
Louisa twisted herself in the cord of the old black wall phone. It went once around her body and five times around her arm. The thing was long enough that you could talk on the phone while rooting through the…
Favorite Opening: “North Of,” Marie-Helene Bertino There are American flags on school windows, on cars, on porch swings. It is the year I bring Bob Dylan home for Thanksgiving. We park in front of my mom’s house—my mom, who has…
Here’s a quick look at some of the great books out the week of October 30. Happy pub day to all! Daniel Alarcón, The King Is Always Above the People: Stories Riverhead Books / Penguin Random House From Publishers Weekly:…
Has this happened to you? You have a good idea for an ending of a short story. You figure out the plot twist that will bring together the various narrative threads. You think of that “aha” moment that will crystallize…
You try not to get caught up in the prophesies of this world because they all stem from the idea that one omniscient God has decided to destroy what he’s created, while the more interesting prophecies come from other worlds…
Fellowships Who wouldn’t want a writing fellowship? A year or two with minimal professional obligations and time to write. Most of these opportunities are fiercely competitive—not surprisingly—and application costs are a consideration. But many people apply year after year, with…
