Struggling through the early hours of your Monday? Here are seven literary links to help you escape the start of your week.
The American Short(er) Fiction Contest has extended its deadline. You now have until February 15th to submit up to 1000 words for a chance at publication and $1000. This year’s contest is judged by Amelia Gray, so hurry!
Paul Lisicky discusses The Promise of Flawed Characters — How Flannery O’Connor Pulls Her Subjects Apart To Make Them Stronger. He writes in The Atlantic: “It’s so easy to see O’Connor’s stories as little punishment machines that intend to flatten the characters until they behave as they’re supposed to.”
Patrick DeWitt reminds us why we love his writing. He doesn’t publish many short stories, but here’s one at Electric Literature you’re bound to enjoy, titled, “The Bastard”. DeWitt at his best.
Another writer we love’s home is up for sale. Maya Angelou’s famous Harlem brownstone is on the market.
Looking for some writing advice. Here’s one from the archives. Ray Bradbury gives 12 pieces of writing advice to young authors: “Examine ‘quality’ short stories. He suggests Roald Dahl, Guy de Maupassant, and the lesser-known Nigel Kneale and John Collier. Anything in the New Yorker today doesn’t make his cut, since he finds that their stories have ‘no metaphor’.”
For more great reading lists, check out our own, 16 Books We’re Looking Forward To This Year.
Don’t forget Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away. Looking for literary inspiration? Here’s one of a different sort. Check out Flavorwire’s Most Memorable Literary Love Affairs.
