► Patrick Madden's new collection of essays, Quotidiana, was just recently released and I hear it's terrific. I'm sure it is because I've read several of Patrick's essays in literary journals over the last few years, and heard him speak about the form he most likes to write. Over at the Huffington Post, he takes a look at the essay and asks if it's still relevant in 2010.
►Here's a handy list of meanings for a bunch of publishing industry abbreviations.
►Anna Quindlen ruminates on the future of reading, the book, e-readers, tech literacy and literary snobs.
►Mothers of young children who are also trying to cobble together a writing life might be interested in Christina Katz's new e-book, Author Mama. There's a sweet incentive for those who purchase the Beta edition this month.
►Anyone a member of Backspace? I'm considering joining and would love to hear how you make use of your membership.
►Pamela Redmond Satran is a novelist, magazine freelancer, essayist, and the New York Times-best selling author of a book based on her blog. Now, she's writing a novel online at her cool site HoSprings. Over at our mutual friend Christina Baker Kline's blog, Pam talks about why she decided on this form, what it was like to get it going, and how she's enjoying it.
► I'm curious. How do other writers – or anyone who works at home for that matter – deal with the disruptions of visiting houseguests, children home on school vacations, holidays, and other changes in household routine and rhythms? Let me know (PLEASE let me know!) in comments.
►And finally, I'm told that the rapper Jay-Z once advised fledgling hip hop artists that reading more would make them better songwriters and better rappers. The reason I know this? A college writing student who interviewed me recently compared one of the pieces of advice I gave – that reading more will always make one a better writer – to what Jay-Z said. So, there.
Have a great weekend.
4 comments:
Funny, you mention distraction today, Lisa. It's spring break at our house and I wrote this entry yesterday:
"It’s a stunningly gorgeous day here and the kids are hanging out and all the neighbors are out. And, I’m writing! My 18-year-old keeps saying, “Pay attention to me.” That’s right. It never stops. During these off times when the kids are home, I plop myself in the dining room and see if I can write. If I’m able to do it (sometimes it’s very productive, which might be a testament to years spent inside a newsroom), I like it because I can catch the life as it happens, which is a skill you need to hone when your kids are teenagers and on their way out the door, literally and figuratively.
When I complain a bit to my daughter, she yells, “Do nothing productive!” But I hope to get in at least an hour and to try to feel that days like this are a blessing.
-Danna Walker www.emmappeal.com
I deal with the disruptions by being quietly resentful, until the time comes for a full fledged meltdown.
(You and Jay-Z are practically twins)!
I will look for Quotidiana.
I deal w/ distractions by making up for lost time by staying up all night working (4:44am last night). Not an approach I'd recommend. I'm SO cranky today.
Hi Lisa-- It is always wonderful to read your blog and so good of you to make the wealth of other's insight available as well. I thought you might be interested in an essay I wrote and posted on my blog-- on writing about personal truth, as you and i have touched on this vis a vis your piece on post-partum depression. all best-- Jenne' http://loquaciouslyyours.com/2010/04/02/1029/
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