I have to admit I’ve never read a James Patterson novel. I think it’s because there are TV commercials promoting them, and they’re all over airports. The snob in me thinks I’m too good for that. But, c’mon, I have to respect the fact that the man has created an empire–an empire–with his writing. Anyone — Read More
Advice to young writers, from Jeffrey Eugenides
Jeffrey Eugenides is one of my newly-declared favorite writers. I love his style, his stories, his characters, everything. Books I read in the past couple years and already want to read again: Middlesex, The Marriage Plot, and Virgin Suicides. So, when I saw a column in The New Yorker featuring his advice for new writers, — Read More
Could you read a book a day in 2013?
I only ask because this guy did. And I think he’s crazy. Here’s what he, Jeff Ryan, had to say about his accomplishment (is that even the right word?), as published on Slate.com: Like many of you, I have a nagging problem: I’m not a heroin user. Nor am I a knuckle-cracker, a nail-biter, or — Read More
50 best literary insults
I’m a fan of a good, well-crafted insult. So imagine my excitement when I saw this list of the 50 best literary insults. Here are some of my favorites from books I love: “This liberal doxy must be impaled upon the member of a particularly large stallion!” — From A Confederacy of Dunces by John — Read More
I’m in an anthology!
Remember when I asked you to vote for me for the America’s Next Author 2012 contest? Well, I kind of forgot about the contest. It came and went and then I got an e-mail saying I made it into the anthology! Best of all, you–yes YOU–can download the anthology for FREE! >> Download now!
‘Tis the season
Every year, around this time, I feel like starting up a novel, or at least a short story. It must be the stress of the holidays that calls forth my inner therapist. I’ll let you know if I resolve my angst…or write a new book. In the meantime…
Behind every great writer…
This isn’t totally accurate. I don’t have a loyal pet. My cat is rather indifferent to my endeavors and I’m the dog’s second favorite.
Top 10 most read books in the world
I wouldn’t have guessed most of these would make the top 10. Rather, I would have hoped most of these would not make the top 10. It makes me think we can sum up our world as being “very religious, with an interest in sci-fi and fantasy.” Or, even simpler, let’s conclude, “Human beings like — Read More
Let’s play make believe
The other day, I came across this Tobias Wolff quote: It got me thinking about that recurring question: Why do writers write? I’ve always maintained that writing serves as some kind of therapy, a way to play out hopes and dreams and fears via characters who, in a sense, protect the author who creates them. — Read More
A rare request: Vote for me!
I entered a contest. This is very, very unlike me. Plus, in this contest, winners are based on social media involvement, ie sharing on Facebook, tweeting, etc. I don’t even have a Twitter account and I get flush with embarrassment when it comes to promoting myself on Facebook. I’m that person posting, “Hey, vote for — Read More