Slate is running a series on the daily rituals of artists and writers. I think we all know there’s no secret formula or ritual that can unleash a writer’s productivity, but it does appear one ritual is shared by many (not all) writers: waking up early and writing first thing in the morning. I’m fortunate [...]

“My mom dominates Easter egg hunts.” “You say ‘phone booth’ to kids and they don’t know what you’re talking about. Crazy.” “Does this count as an electronic device?” –woman holding a cassette tape Walkman “Is this Chandler? You know, Chandler Bing? From Friends? He looks the same. Joey, though, he looks different.” “My boarding pass [...]

I’m sitting at my desk at work dressed as a “ghost writer” — white painted face, corduroy jacket, pretentious-looking scarf, purple plastic glasses. The office Halloween party is hours away but here I sit. The face paint is crackly and uneven and feels stiff. The paint makes my teeth look yellow so I can’t smile. [...]

» I forgot to bring my bookmarks and business cards to my library presentation earlier this week. Oops. » My alma mater posted this blog interview with me recently. I neglected to mention in my response that I don’t really believe any author or book should be considered “a guilty pleasure.” Is that so very [...]

How would you like to become a part of a bizarre writing blog that makes too many lame jokes about alcohol consumption, cats, and failure? Now’s your chance! Seriously, I’d love a few guest bloggers in June. I’ll be busy with a couple of trips later this month, and at least one point, I’ll be [...]

It’s more than 10,000 pages long, took 24 hours to bind, stands two feet high, and must be supported by blocks while it’s being read. The preservation department at the University of Iowa Libraries is responsible for creating this massive volume of poetry, Poetry City Marathon. The book, which was written by Dave Morice/Dr. Alphabet [...]