Monthly Archives: January 2010

Don’t be insular friends. I feel like in the United States, we don’t talk enough about books in translation. Maybe we don’t get enough foreign books in translation. Maybe our education system fails us in a very basic way. Maybe … Continue reading →

I am a nerd about word counts. Word counts keep you accountable, and they keep you writing. And if you care about what you write, I do think more word counts will also improve your own writing. Sometime this weekend … Continue reading →

How do we see ourselves? When the reflection glances at us in the mirror, what do we see? Is it us? Is it me? Is it I? Perception is everything. I may see myself internally as snarky, easily irritated, frantic … Continue reading →

I love my Kindle. But I didn’t always love my Kindle. Before I owned one I felt indifferent. After all, I love paper books the most. Real books are what I am in love with, and I always have been. … Continue reading →

I am an emeritus member of the education non-profit Barrel of Monkeys, which teaches writing skills in the Chicago Public Schools. “Barrel of Monkeys’ workshop/performance model puts students’ ideas first. BOM facilitators conduct weekly creative writing workshops in elementary school … Continue reading →

Let me say this first. I believe that all the comparisons that critics and journalist draw between Roberto Bolaño and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, while flattering to the late Bolano, are a bit misplaced and hint at subtle post-colonial racism. True, … Continue reading →

Getting good tips on how to find an agent for your manuscript is not just a matter of finding good resources on agents. The writers themselves can also provide you with valuable insights. This clip from YARebels sums up how … Continue reading →