Loft-worthy?

And now for a bit of shameless self-promotion. Maybe you’re here at my site because you saw the listing for my class in the summer 2010 catalog of the The Loft literary center. Maybe you want to know who I am and if I can teach my way out of a wet paper bag. Well, this spring I’ve been brushing up on my workshopping (and getting helpful feedback on my novel draft) by participating in a novel class at Gotham Writer’s Workshop, and a fellow student was kind enough to drop a word of thanks. I share it here to put your mind at ease and encourage you to sign up for my 8-week course in Literary Short Fiction. We’re going to have a blast — don’t miss out!

“Your critiques are excellent. You have a generosity of spirit and an eloquent way of getting your point across and you truly engage with everyone’s work. You would be a wonderful creative writing teacher. I loved how you summed up Holden Caulfield in your critique of Franks [work]. I promise to take the time you give to others when I next critique your work. But  I can only TRY to be as perceptive and helpful as you are.” — Jan C.

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Win a Book

Penguin has the paperback in hand. It hits the UK shelves March 25. Right now at Penguin’s site you can sign up to win one of ten copies they are giving away. (UK residents only.)

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New Short Fiction

Good news today. I’ve had a story accepted by The Evansville Review.

“Randy Randall” is about an office misanthropist and his run-in with a new hire, the titular Randy Randall. 

Authors who have appeared in The Evansville Review include Joyce Carol Oates, John Updike, and TC Boyle. Not bad company. Vol. XX of the journal will contain my story. It will come out in late April.

Read “Randy Randall” online below or try your luck with RandyRandall.mobi, for your Kindle.

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On Reading DeLillo’s Libra

In Don Delillo’s Libra, all the men are of the same ilk to an extent that isn’t believable. They all seem shaped by DeLillo’s masculine sensibility. They are all in ¾ profile, or less. There’s a whole domain of feeling that none of them experience—or, being a domain, I should say “enter.” None enters it, this domain of feeling. It’s a place, broadly put, of vulnerable, soft emotions. (Believe me, I never thought this kind of thing would be my literary crusade.)  Continue reading »

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