Every day Poets & Writers Magazine scans the headlines—publishing reports, literary dispatches, academic announcements, and more—for all the news that creative writers need to know. Here are today’s stories.
A new public survey launched by the Book Industry Charitable Foundation seeks to determine how the organization can best serve its constituency. Responses will be accepted through September 22. (Shelf Awareness)
Alexandra Alter of the New York Times profiles Colson Whitehead ahead of the release of his tenth book, Harlem Shuffle. He describes the challenges and pleasures of his foray into crime fiction: “After the darkness of the last two books, the levity, Carney’s humble charm, is fulfilling a psychological need for me.”
In conversation with Rebecca Makkai, Lauren Groff discusses her latest novel, Matrix, and the appeal of historical fiction. “I wanted to try to trace the contemporary world’s roots backward through time, to see how the medieval Church gave rise to where we are now, devolving into tribalism and selfishness, at the brink of climate apocalypse.” (Literary Hub)
Shruti Swamy interviews her mother, Asha Pandya, whom she consulted extensively during the writing of her new novel, The Archer. “I didn’t know what the story was going to be. But as you were writing and asking me questions, I realized that you would have your own take,” Pandya says. “I was very happy. Exhilarated.” (BOMB)
“Within a few years, it was clear that 9/11 would leave an impact on contemporary fiction as deep as its impact on every other aspect of our culture.” Ron Charles of the Washington Post observes how thirteen novelists reckoned with 9/11.
In a statement announcing the new logo and branding for Oxford University Press, CEO Nigel Portwood states the company has been on “a journey of digital transformation.” Publishers Weekly describes the new logo as “futuristic.”
The Bookseller recaps the festivities in the U.K. surrounding the release of Sally Rooney’s Beautiful World, Where Are You. Numerous bookstores opened early and fans traveled great distances to attend a launch event with the author.
The Millions highlights a selection of the new books landing in stores this week, including Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang and How to Wrestle a Girl by Venita Blackburn.
