Here in the MFA universe we tend to think that the book writing is what’s tough. Writing writing writing. Getting through slumpy clunky parts. Revising out the wazoo. Maybe, just maybe, some of us think about what to do with that manuscript once it’s finished. (We’re supposed to get an agent, right?) But for most, a book deal is like the pearly, golden gates of heaven swinging open. You sign, the angels sing, and your Future as Author is certain. But there’s still so much more to publishing. What if your release date arrives and some junior publicist completely forgets your book?
This week Pitt’s English department was handing out passes to a free screening of Into the Wild. Somebody thought academia and Jon Krakauer might go together….just, not Jon Krakauer.
This week was the 50th anniversary — of Sputnik, Doctor Zhivago, and also of the uncensorship of Howl. The LA Times points out that Alan Ginsberg’s classic poem pushes enough buttons to make even lefty Pacifica Radio think twice about broadcasting it, fearing the FCC’s wrath. (The good-ish news? A 1959 recording of Ginsberg reading “Howl” is streaming instead).
Who will get the Nobel lit prize (should they choose to award one)? Marlon James‘ list is excellent (I’m leaning toward Margaret Atwood — artistic and political), but Laila Lalami picked last year’s winner, and she’s going with Cormac McCarthy.
