Wells Tower is writing a TV pilot
In the works: a new TV show starring Alec Baldwin. Why is this news? Because the writer is a funny, and exceptionally skillful author with a Brooklyn connection––and, no, I’m… Read more »
Working on your novel? Tell that to artist Cory Arcangel
A friend says, “I’m working on my novel.” First, you’re impressed: you think, Wow, a novel! Then comes resentment. Why, you think, is he bragging about it? What does he… Read more »
Not the Booker Prize returns, offers authors a mug
Now in its sixth year, the Not the Booker Prize is back. Sponsored by The Guardian, the award––billed as “the world’s most democratic”––is largely decided by readers. Like its namesake,… Read more »
Syrian writers and artists publish to protest tyranny
The work of over 50 Syrian artists and writers has been collected in Syria Speaks, a new book published in the UK by Saqi. The anthology contains poems, cartoons, posters,… Read more »
Nicolas Cage to steal rare copy of the Declaration of Independence from the NYPL
The New York Public Library is set to display a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, and, if they’ve learned anything from National Treasure––a modern classic––the library will now… Read more »
Bertelsmann To Shut Down German Book Club Division
If you live in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, and, by some chance, belong to Bertelsmann’s book club, I’ve got some bad news: from now on, you’ll have to buy your… Read more »
NYRB v. CIA
The CIA better watch its back—at least in the Twittersphere. As The Guardian reports, the government agency’s inaugural tweet—which, inexplicably, was met with giddy admiration by the mainstream media—inspired The… Read more »
Jeremy Paxman thinks poets should face an “inquisition” for being poets, basically
Jeremy Paxman, has turned away from politicians—at least momentarily—to fight the good fight against those who are truly self-interested, slimy and hypocritical: poets. Paxman recently chaired the judging panel of the… Read more »
Philip Roth is retiring from everything
Philip Roth continues retiring. Roth announced he was finished with writing way back in 2012. Since then, he has been the subject of a 90-minute PBS documentary and a biography;… Read more »