This month, we mourn the death of a literary giant, scratch our heads at a vexing decision from USC to jettison their MPW writing program, and look at 50 reasons not to date a poet (myself included).
Loss of a Literary Giant
The New York Times called him a conjurer and Steve Erickson, one of our best American magic realists, shares how 100 Years of Solitude changed his writing life. Marquez influenced many writers and I feel a debt to him in how I approach both fiction and poetry. Instead of saying goodbye, I encourage authors and readers to say hello and read or reread his work.
USC’s MPW Program Moves to VCFA
This is news that hits close to home as I graduate from the Master of Progressional Writing Program at USC. The MPW has been a valuable part of my journey as a multi-disciplinary writer (poetry, fiction, screenplays, TV, blogging, content strategist, and marketing writer). Like many alumni, I was shocked to hear of the program’s closure, and perplexed by the news to move the program to Vermont College of Fine Arts. It was just announced that Trinie Dalton will lead the new program and I wish her the best in leading what I believe is a unique and worthwhile program.
Debate over Lists of Books by Women Writers
In April, I read and shared a couple of lists of worthwhile books by women writers – 12 Great Female Authors Recommend Their 40 Favorite Female Authors in Elle and These Are 21 Female Writers You Should Be Reading in Time. Multitalented Roxane Gay shares her thoughts in Slate on why we need these lists in The Trouble with ‘” Women You Should Be Reading Now” Lists. I agree with Gray’s premise in her article, but have also been introduced to worthwhile women writers from these lists. Count me as still undecided on this topic.
Hollywood’s New Power Couple – Books & Television
I have several friends that write for television, and there is a widespread belief that the best and brightest in the entertainment industry are migrating to television vs. film (for many reason like the upteenth Spidey movie out this weekend). Here’s a list of 23 Books that Will Be Featured on Television This Year.
50 Reasons Not to Date a Poet
Everyone, including poets, know that we’re pains in the asses in our relationships. Here’s a list of 5o Reasons Not to Date a Poet. The link appeared almost a year ago, but I might have been starting absently out the window when it was posted like the list suggests.
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