Exclusive Excerpt: Blithedale Canyon

An excerpt from Blithedale Canyon by Michael Bourne, who writes in the July/August 2022 issue about his long path to publishing his debut novel without the assistance of a literary agent.
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An excerpt from Blithedale Canyon by Michael Bourne, who writes in the July/August 2022 issue about his long path to publishing his debut novel without the assistance of a literary agent.
“I wanted to write female friendship in a way that felt honest to me.” —Christine Kandic Torres, author of The Girls in Queens
The author of [WHITE] explores how writing outside one’s primary genre can lead to literary breakthroughs.
“When you’re in that in-between stage, between starting something and gathering speed, a piece of chipped nail polish is the most riveting thing in the world.” —Sloane Crosley, author of Cult Classic
The author of [WHITE] shares how experimenting with found texts can energize the poetic process and expand a poet’s lyric repertoire.
“I have to lock up my phone every day—in a box designed for locking up cookies—during the hours I’m writing. Text messages ruin me.” —Lydia Conklin, author of Rainbow Rainbow
“Prioritize writing. Make time for it. Plan it like you plan your grocery lists. Plant your ass in the chair and do it.” —Gabe Montesanti, author of Brace for Impact
“There are plenty of hard truths in Ma and Me that were difficult to put down on the page, and then there are other truths that are mine, and mine alone, to keep.” —Putsata Reang, author of Ma and Me
Lesley Wheeler reckons with vulnerability, loss, and family through a close reading of Jan Beatty’s poem “Red Sugar."
“If I had known about the twists and turns beforehand, I like to think I would have kept going, but maybe it’s better not to know.” —Vanessa Hua, author of Forbidden City