When I read novels I usually skip over the epigraphs: the snippets of poems or prose that authors use to set the tone of their stories. They’re too long, don’t propel the narrative forward, don’t convey the meaning to me that the authors must intend. But then, of course, I […]
I am waiting for you here Floating above the sun Took the potion for two, dear Belly too full to run Pluck my string with your big toe Resonate in the drum Pursed lips and a big blow A whistle won’t make you come Look out of the […]
The number one question we get asked as a couple who writes is: “How do you write together?” Answer: “I’m the left hand, he’s the right.” A joke, obviously, based on the idea that writing is the endeavor of solitary genius by a guy in a nubby sweater, well-lit by […]
Part of my job is to return unsold books to a distributor, and one of my favorite parts of this task–for more than one reason–used to be stripping the covers off the paperbacks that have the little “s” in a triangle near the barcode. That symbol means the book is […]
In Writing Tips for a Disorganized Mind I describe how I get out of my own way and let my brain do its thing when I write. This is not only because it works for me, but also because I am so very—on a deeply fundamental level, which, I assure you, […]