I was walking my dog at dusk along our familiar path by the river when a porcupine waddled into view, a great gleaming surprise of flesh and quills. He filled the path, blocking our way, and forced us to turn across the rough, to scrape through unfamiliar territory of Russian olive and willow herb. When [...]
Sometimes it’s called magical realism, sometimes literature of the fantastic and there’s even a new label, “literature of the new weird.” Call it whatever you like, this is lit and poetry with a touch of whimsey, with just a sprinkling of magic dust. Check out The Big Blog of Marvel for bloggers on magical realism. So [...]
I’ve never met him in person. I know him only by his work, some interviews and a few kind words I’ve received from him about my writing. Bret Lott is stepping down from his position as editor of The Southern Review, one of the finest literary journals anywhere, to return to teaching. That he wants [...]
THE YOUNKIN-RIVERA PRIZES FOR YOUNG WRITERS AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE http://www.dce.siu.edu/youth/080205writersworkshop.htm A nationwide competition for creative writers aged 15-18. Entries accepted during the month of April in the genres of poetry and prose.
I’m getting excited about Arcs, (advanced review copies), of The Travelers’ Market. They’ll be out soon and I’ll be able to see all of the new illustrations. John Murphy’s illustration style has changed a bit since Wolfproof came out in 2006 and I like what I’ve seen so far. I haven’t had a peek at the [...]