Clifford Garstang's Blog, page 158
June 2, 2010
May 30, 2010
Writers.com/Writers on the Net
My popular course, Writing the Literary Short Story, begins a new session on June 14. It's a great value, I think. Not only do we workshop stories (and revisions) by each of the participants, but we discuss important elements of short story writing as well as look at examples of great stories by well-known writers. There are also weekly exercises to keep everyone writing and engaged.For more information and to register, visit: Writers.com/Writers on the Net
May 29, 2010
The New Yorker: "Agreeable" by Jonathan Franzen
A year ago, The New Yorker published a story by Jonathan Franzen called "Good Neighbors," which I discussed here. I rather liked the story, and even thought it had a good story structure. It turns out, though, that that story was an excerpt from Franzen's new novel, Freedom, which comes out in September.The reason I looked into that old story and the novel is that I suspected this new story, "Agreeable," might be an excerpt. It begins with a lot of exposition, as if the author needs to fill t...
May 28, 2010
Where I Must Go by Angela Jackson
Where I Must Go
Angela Jackson
Triquarterly Books/Northwestern University Press (2009)
I started at Northwestern University in the fall of 1971. I was not yet 18, and although I was looking forward to the challenge, I remember being bewildered. I lived in a triple in Latham House, a dilapidated residence on Clark Street in Evanston that once housed George McGovern. (Not long after I moved into my fraternity house the following year, the building was torn down by the university. It's now the par...
May 26, 2010
The New Yorker: "Ash" by Roddy Doyle
Let me first say that I'm annoyed with The New Yorker. Or the Post Office. For the fourth week in a row my copy of the magazine has arrived late. Significantly late. I know I could read the stories online, but I shouldn't have to. It's beginning to tick me off.And if only they were worth the wait! This story by Roddy Doyle is notable mostly for the banter between brothers Kevin and Mick about the crumbling state of Kevin's marriage (and the defunct state of Mick's). Kevin's wife, Ciara...
Peace Corps Writers - Nominees for best RPCV books of 2009
Each year, Peace Corps Writers, now part of Peace Corps Worldwide, recognizes the best books published by former Peace Corps Volunteers in several genres. This year, I'm pleased to learn that my book, In an Uncharted Country, is a finalist for the Maria Thomas Fiction Award. The winners will be announced in July.
See all the finalists: Peace Corps Writers - Nominees for best RPCV books of 2009
May 25, 2010
May 24, 2010
Alessandro Kokocinski
When I visited Italy about 25 years ago (has it been that long?), I acquired a painting by Alessandro Kokocinski. It was and is stunning and hangs over my fireplace. I've been watching his career ever since -- the Internet makes that way easier.
New Issue: BiblioBuffet
Check out the new issue of BiblioBuffet
