Friday Finds for Writers

For the weekend: some writing-related reflections, news, and resources to enjoy.

  • First up: An assortment of authors’ book-promotion tips. I’m most intrigued by C. Hope Clark’s endorsement of the Square Card Reader, pictured to the left. (You may have seen Square elsewhere in the news this week, too.)
  • Next: “Got an MFA? Teach high school,” advises Nick Ripatrazone.
  • The Kenyon Review interviews George Singleton, on being told to “stick to fiction” in a poetry workshop, and other literary matters.
  • Sam Tanenhaus, who edits The New York Times Book Review, describes a typical workday and exemplary criticism.
  • Roxane Gay presents writers of color.
  • And in case you’ve missed the mentions elsewhere: I’m coming to Boston! And if this seminar on writing conferences, contests, and residencies appeals to you, please join us!
  • Have a great weekend. See you back here on Monday.

    6 thoughts on “Friday Finds for Writers

    1. Jennifer says:

      Loved the interview with Sam Tanenhaus, especially that he assumes anyone who says he/she laughed out loud is lying. (Which made me laugh – but not out loud :D.)

    2. C.W. says:

      So many good links!

    3. Erika Dreifus says:

      I aim to please (and inspire!).

    4. Jenn Crowell says:

      The marketing piece had so many innovative ideas! My critique group partner, Cheri Lasota, was one of the interviewees. She’s been doing some amazing things with those ebook gift cards from Greenerside Digital. I’ve seen them in person, and while they aren’t cheap to order, they *are* both clever and gorgeous. (You can actually sign them for people at a reading or event, or even provide a digital signature on an actual ebook through a site called Kindlegraph. The mind boggles — in a fruitful way. Who knew?)

    5. Jenn Crowell says:

      Oh, and I’m fascinated by Nick’s advice regarding high school teaching. Several years back at AWP, I also heard an academic on a Ph.D in Creative Writing panel suggest that one of the benefits of the degree was the ability it grants you to teach high school English. Well, not exactly — in most states you need another year or two of specific postgraduate instruction in pedagogy and student teaching (frequently earning another MA in the process). And the demand in secondary education right now is heavily tipped towards STEM subjects, ELL specialists, and special ed, so not the greatest career prospect for MFA students. But I can see the appeal, and I definitely think MFA holders have a lot to offer the public school system (perhaps in AmeriCorps positions?).

    6. Jenn, I agree–so much to think about! Thank you for your thoughtful comments.

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