(first published in 2011) Originally, I tried to resist writing this 9especially after my plea against categorizing authors.) Plus, so many of us hide our age in this world of never-get-old, unearthing this information, even in our Googlized world, was difficult. But when, along with the plethora of lists of writers under 40, I was faced … Read more
About when I turned ten I began crafting my library checkouts, hoping I’d look smart. I’d balance my Nancy Drew with a biography of Abraham Lincoln, so the librarian thought well of me. (It seems my self-esteem problem enacted early.) Today, reading Why Are So Many Literary Writers Shifting into Genre?, on The Millions, I … Read more
I tried to think of a, um, sexier title for this post, but they all sounded, um, icky, and the last thing I want when I’m writing about sex is an ick factor. Writing about icky sex: fantastic. Writing ickily about sex: terrible. I’ve been thinking about this ever since Pia Lindstrom, an interviewer from … Read more
“Wondering how many powerful and heartbreaking novels would not have been written if there were no dysfunctional families.” Kris The above was the Facebook ‘status’ of a dear friend (in real life and Facebook.) An artist of many genres, she’s one of the very best and constant readers I know. I do believe Kris could … Read more
Writing a book resembles entering a reverie where the entire world is your playground. Birth, death, war, and peace (it’s in your hands. Then you finish. It”s the next step and you can’t get a handhold anywhere. Control is gone. You are subject to the whimsical tastes of agents and editors who hold the key … Read more