The Writers Who Read series continues this week with writer and activist Shelley Ettinger. Who are you? I’m Shelley Ettinger. I’m a longtime activist in the LGBTQ movement and in anti-racist, anti-war and union struggles. I began writing creatively about 15 years ago; since then my poetry and short fiction have been published in dozens of … [Read more…]
I wouldn’t have guessed it five years ago, but there is such a thing as having too many ideas. Writing ideas, at least. It seems to happen to me on a weekly basis now: a fabulous idea for a new novel, begging to be written. This year I’ve felt like I’ve had twenty-two story ideas, … [Read more…]
The Writers Who Read series continues this week with poet Jenny Sadre-Orafai. Who are you? Jenny Sadre-Orafai, author of four chapbooks and the poetry collection Paper, Cotton, Leather (Press 53). I also write creative non-fiction (The Rumpus, The Toast, South Loop Review, Los Angeles Review) and serve as co-founding editor of Josephine Quarterly. What are … [Read more…]
I read a lot. I love books. But sometimes this reading life makes me crazy. Here are ten ways to tell if books have driven you batty too. 1.) The Doorstopper Dread Your friend recommends this incredible book he’s just read. It’s beautiful, it’s one of a kind, it’s…nine hundred pages long. Everyone knows … [Read more…]
The Writers Who Read series continues this week with mystery author Clea Simon (who I think we can all agree has one of the best book titles in this series!). Who are you? I’m a Massachusetts-based author. A former journalist, I wrote three nonfiction books before turning to a life of (fictional) crime. I … [Read more…]
The Writers Who Read series continues this week with Aline Ohanesian. Who are you? Aline Ohanesian, author of Orhan’s Inheritance (Algonquin Books, April 7, 2015) What are three beloved books you first read before the age of 12? My parents weren’t big readers. I remember reading Nancy Drew mysteries because a family friend gave me a … [Read more…]
I’ve had a few books in the past year that I’ve read at warp speed–unable to put the book down to find out what happens next, reading it at every free moment, finishing it within a day or two. I’ll often give these books a better rating because I figure since I read them fast, … [Read more…]
To me, one of the most fascinating questions that has come out of the Writers Who Read interview has been the one that asks writers what kind of books they are drawn to, beyond the usual answers of solid storytelling and writing. I love reading these answers, especially ones that mention very specific story features, … [Read more…]
Along with my writing and personal resolutions for the year, I’ve thought about what I want to read in 2015. Although, because often I feel guilt or pressure to read certain books, I’m trying to not commit to any book challenges to keep the joy in my reading. Trying. Still trying. But there are definitely specific … [Read more…]
The Writers Who Read series continues this week with author Andi Cumbo-Floyd. Who are you? I’m a writer, editor, writing teacher, and farmer who loves to sew, take slow walks, and enjoy my dear friends and family. My husband and I run a small farm in rural Virginia, where we raise goats, chickens, cats, and dogs … [Read more…]