Claire Messud on the Value of an Ordinary Life

The author discusses social media, finding hope in art, and her new essay collection, Kant's Little Prussian Head and Other Reasons Why I Write.

Douglas Stuart on Writing in Secret

The Shuggie Bain author grew up in a culture that discouraged boys from reading. His debut novel just won the Booker Prize.

Lauren Oyler on America’s Alienating Literary Culture

The book critic and Fake Accounts author says that smart readers are not being served by the publishing industry.

David Sedaris Is Not Loving His Early Work

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The essayist discusses lazy words, pandemic fashion, and how going on tour changed his writing style.
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Dwight Garner on Commonplace Books

Do you jot down thought-provoking lines from books, shows, songs, and movies? Then you, too, keep a commonplace book.

Jenny Offill and Jia Tolentino on Being Doomers at the Dinner Party

In this event recording, the writers discuss research rabbit holes and learn the presidential election results in real time.

Personalized Postcards from Your Favorite Authors

Help support a nonprofit literary magazine and you might win a handwritten letter for yourself or a loved one.

Marie-Helene Bertino on Manipulating Time in Fiction

In Bertino's latest novel, a bride-to-be struggles with her past, her future, and her dead grandma, who's back as a bird.

For Sale: Toni Morrison’s Apartment and Personal Library

The Nobel Prize-winning author edited as she read and alphabetized her 1,200-plus book collection by last name.

Nikki Giovanni on Daydreams and Owning Yourself

The 77-year-old poet discusses politics, evening rituals, Cleopatra the dog, and her new writing collection.

Olivia Rutigliano Discovers an Unconventional Ghost Story

Ellen Raskin’s classic murder mystery, The Westing Game, is also a surprising, meta-ghost story.

Daphne Merkin on Larkin’s Letters to Mum

The collection reveals the poet’s softer side, and perhaps his creative inspiration.

Jennifer Baker on Representation in Mystery Novels

In these books, the protagonists bring an extra layer of complexity to their search for the truth.

CJ Hauser on Gothic Literature’s Life Lessons

How can you avoid the second Mrs. de Winter's fate? By allowing the past and present to coexist.

Bryan Washington on Creating Space in Publishing

The author hopes that his debut novel, Memorial, will pave the way for other unique stories.

Yaffa S. Santos on Going Beyond the Five Senses

Santos discusses her debut novel, A Taste of Sage, and what it took for her to reach the finish line.

Leesa Cross-Smith on the Moment a Story Begins

Leesa Cross-Smith discusses writing in different formats, her recent short story collection, and how she uncovers a story's beginning.

Rumaan Alam on Genre Snobbery

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Rumaan Alam discusses his suspenseful new book, Leave the World Behind, and the efficiency of genre writing.
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