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."
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.
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.
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 World that Never Sleeps
This week in all things literary: Junot Diaz and Dave Eggers in conversation; an indictment of Amazon.com; Michael Chabon on his aborted novel; and an expensive book deal with everyone's favorite hero/villain.
This Week’s Literary Hors d’ouvres
Slate Magazine on the divide in literary culture; The New Yorker interviews George Saunders; Rachel Toor on "cling[ing] to the notion of romantic genius"; Bad Writing, the movie; and all about authorial personas.
Update from the Ivory Tower
In today's summation of news: San Francisco, where every book lover wants to be; a how-to book for Victorian writers; Gatz--a seven hour play from one of America's most beloved novels; a new website for literary-inclined youth; Salman Rushdie on inspiration; literary lists; and publicity for yours truly.
Call for Readers
Xenith extends its hand to all bibliophiles. Send us your essays, your book reviews, your literary and cultural criticism. Writing would not be here were it not for reading.
Bad Sex, Pulp History, Translations, and Long Lost Updike
If nothing else you absolutely have to read the interview with Updike.
News from the Literary Underground: Indie culture, Bizarro fiction and a Thanksgiving Pol Pot Luck
Mainstream publishing represents merely a portion of what goes on in literature today. Xenith plumbs the depths of a thriving literary underground to bring you the latest news and events.
Call for Submissions: Beloved Books