“As You Like It” Altered for New York Audiences, StumbleUpon Exceeds Facebook, and More

by
Evan Smith Rakoff
7.7.11

Every day Poets & Writers Magazine scans the headlines—from publishing reports to academic announcements to literary dispatches—for all the news that creative writers need to know. Here are today's stories:

After receiving complaints via an online petition, the British Royal Shakespeare Company has altered its script for As You Like It—which will debut tonight as part of the Lincoln Center Festival—omitting the skinning and beheading of a dead rabbit on stage for its New York City audiences. (Wall Street Journal)

A recent academic report published in Britain blames romance novels for sexual problems experienced by psychology patients. "What we see in our consulting rooms is more likely to be informed by Mills & Boon than by the Family Planning Association," says Susan Quilliam, psychologist and author of the report. "Sometimes the kindest and wisest thing we can do for our clients is to encourage them to put down the books—and pick up reality.” (Guardian)

Alex Shakar, author of The Savage Girl, offers a glimpse into the days surrounding the publication of his debut novel in September 2001 and talks about how 9/11 impacted his experience. (Millions)

Writers using social media take note: StumbleUpon has exceeded Facebook in website referrals. (Galleycat)

Beverly Cleary, known for her young-adult stories about Ramona Quimby, at ninety-five, speaks about her writing, Twitter, and the enduring appeal of her much-loved characters. (Atlantic)

Artist Keira Rathbone creates ASCII-style art using typewriters to create pictures. (Wired)