I don’t know why I write. If I knew the answer, I probably wouldn’t have to. …more

“And I only am escaped alone to tell thee”

If he were alive, today, August 1st 2009, would be Herman Melville’s 190th birthday and on this occasion I’d like to take the opportunity to pay a small, humble tribute to an author who has single-handedly taught me so much about writing and literature, patience and perseverance, and the staggering potential of language and prose. But first, a little history: …more

It’s kind of hard not to fall a little bit in love with someone who, immediately upon meeting up for a mid-afternoon interview, asks if it’s cool to stop at the liquor store first to buy a big bottle of booze. …more

While construction workers and stagehands were scurrying around the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City—which will play host to the BEA for the next four years—the CEO of the whole thing called a press conference preview, to break down what this expo is really about. …more

It’s impossible to read George Saunders books slowly. This might be cheating because I’d read them before, although not in a few years, but a couple of weeks ago I picked up Civilwarland in Bad Decline and Pastoralia, Saunders’ two short story collections—the result of a distinct Saunders craving—and reread them both in a matter of days. These are the kind of books you literally, physically cannot put down; the kind of books you intentionally miss your subway stop for, just to afford yourself fifteen extra minutes of reading time while you sit in the station waiting for the train to take you back to your destination. …more

“I’ve been interested in talking and educating about rape, safety and sexuality for most of my adult life.” …more

“I’ve heard other novelists say this, which makes me feel like I’m not crazy, that the problem with every novel is finding the key to it, finding the way in.” …more

By JULIET LINDERMAN

How One Accidental Pin-Up Changed the Face of Feminism Forever …more

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