Impermanent Things
The amateur novelist comes to understand a key aspect of novel writing: no change—minor or catastrophic—is off the table. Today’s episode: the delirious fever of rewriting.
Literary News for the Literarily Inclined
In books: National Short Story Month; three writers battle over MFA programs; judge resigns as Philip Roth wins prize; the novel still alive and well; Charles Simic on libraries; ten disturbing novels; literary tattoos; and a ban on the word "verdant."
The 8th “R” of Positivity for the Unpublished Novelist
The amateur novelist has an enlightening experience where all enlightening experiences seem to happen: out in the woods. Today's episode: The importance of relaxation (without having to waste time relaxing).
The Psychology of Waiting
The amateur novelist resists the urge to make a tally mark in his skin for each day that goes by without good news. Today’s episode: managing neuroses.
Remembrance of News Past
In the news over the last week: Google's crushed dreams; Oprah's misguided fascination with poetry; Laura Miller on the cure for writer's block; a rally against evil publishers; a self-published millionaire goes traditional; ancient graffiti; and a posthumous Bolaño essay.
We Whose Futures Rest on 150 Words
The amateur novelist takes on the attributes of a salesman, going door to proverbial door in the vast cruel market of the publishing industry. Today’s episode: perfecting the plot hook.
Literary Scraps for the Overburdened Reader
Roland Barthes on writing; why writers abandon novels; the importance of rhythm in prose; a new set of rules for writers; and the continuing adventures of the late David Foster Wallace.
The Long Overdue Literary Update
In the news: a bankrupt literary giant; the lost art of editing; Nabokov on butterflies; the first annual Good Sex Awards; the antithetical nature of MFA programs; and the dreaded reader's block.
An Entirely New Terror
With the writing of the novel out of the way, the amateur novelist is free to pursue an even more horrifying endeavor: the search for an agent.
From Your Lips She Drew the Hallelujah
The long history of Rebellious Bird brought to a close? Even the amateur novelist knows the completion of a novel is only the beginning.
This Week in Books
The rise of Wallace studies; Nabokov on cover design; Newberry Award winner; what makes bad prose; Holden Caulfield lives well into sixties; and Michael Chabon on censoring bedtime reading.
The Premiere of Season Two
Paralyzed with fear! Back to work again, will the amateur novelist escape the evil clutches of the impossible Perfect Novel?
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