September’s Roundup of links takes you to a new edition of a favorite book, an opportunity to put pen to paper, and another favorite episode from the New Yorker Fiction Podcast.
#AmReading
A few years ago, I bought a copy of Tell It Slant by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola, a must-have if you write creative nonfiction, especially if you love flash nonfiction.
I bought the e-book first, wanting to immediately start reading. Later, I took the book out on loan from the library, because I like to see much-loved books in print. Finally, I ordered my own copy, but not before I accidentally marked up a passage in the library’s copy.
Whoops. Talk about writer’s remorse.
Anyway, when the 3rd edition of Tell It Slant came out, I wasn’t sure I wanted to buy a whole new version (I hadn’t yet marked up my 2nd edition in full). But after reading an excerpt on Jane Friedman’s site and discovering that this updated text includes new material, writing exercises, and an anthology of essays as examples of great work, I placed my order.
With chapters and exercises on character development and dialogue, on finding your story and choosing a structure, this book provides a mountain of resources for anyone, whether you write nonfiction or even fiction.
#AmWriting
I have more reasons, other than my own desire to learn more, in studying such a great book: I am gathering material.
PRINCIPLES & PROMPTS, one of my favorite classes to teach online, is open for registration, and this year the entire course has been revitalized.
In this 6-week course (November 2-December 14), we will still discuss principles of creativity and story, but we’ll tap into different books, you’ll find new lessons and videos for inspiration, and you’ll write from a fresh set of prompts.
Seats are limited and registrations are already coming in. Grab your spot today and join us! It’s a low-stakes, fun way to keep your pen moving during the fall months and early holidays.
#AmListening
Part of the fun in creating a course or redesigning one is the search for videos and podcasts that will kick off a week’s curriculum and spark a fire. I pull from several different sources, but one I continue to love and appreciate is the New Yorker Fiction Podcast.
I don’t always catch every episode, but recently I listened to Etgar Keret read Janet Frame’s “You Are Now Entering the Human Heart.”
The story itself is wonderful, but what adds to the experience is the conversation between Etgar Keret and Deborah Treisman about the story.
In this 45 minute podcast, Keret and Treisman discuss craft, but they also talk about the way life and writing come together. As Keret says:
There is something about [Frame’s] writing, she needs to write to survive. . . . By finalizing the story, she will be able to feel less a stranger to herself.
You’ll get a glimpse into Janet Frame’s process as seen through the eyes of another author, as well as hear a little about Keret’s process. I’ve listened to the episode twice, and there’s still more I can learn.
* Heart photo credit: Internet Archive Book Images on Visualhunt / No known copyright restrictions
What are you reading, writing, or listening to these days?
Thank you for sharing these resources! I’m (hopefully) at the tail end of two crazy weeks of unexpected “surprises” that resulted in zero time for reading, writing or…anything. But tonight I had my first moments of peace, so I grabbed my dog-eared On Writing by Stephen King to read a couple chapters before sitting down to continue on my neglected MG WIP. I slugged out about 600 words, which isn’t fantastic, but it’s something. Maybe I’ll give TELL IT SLANT a try – thanks!