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:
PBS’s miniseries The Great American Read premieres tonight. Hosted by Meredith Vieira, the show will interview authors and celebrities about the power of reading and America’s hundred favorite novels.
A collection of Marcel Proust’s letters and manuscripts will be auctioned later this week. The papers include never-before-seen love letters between the French writer and composer Reynaldo Hahn, as well as rough drafts of portions of In Search of Lost Time. (Guardian)
“I just think vulnerability is beautiful, and it makes you feel close to another person, to see somebody who’s vulnerable, because you yourself are also vulnerable, and it just is a way of connecting, and I think it’s strong. I like seeing that on a page. I like seeing it in people.” Sheila Heti talks about her writing process and what she loves in books. (Creative Independent)
Audible has partnered with Reese Witherspoon’s media company, Hello Sunshine, which focuses on female-driven content. The two companies will work together to develop original audio productions and expand the audio offerings of Witherspoon’s monthly book club. (Publishers Weekly)
After nearly fifty years in print, Interview Magazine is folding. The arts and culture magazine, which was founded by Andy Warhol, has filed for bankruptcy and is embroiled in a lawsuit brought by the publication’s former editorial director. (New York Times)
“The movie effectively spanks snobs who claim that people aren’t into books anymore.” Ron Charles considers the new movie Book Club—starring Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda, and Mary Steenburgen—and why we should judge a book but not readers. (Washington Post)
Bill Gates recommends five books to read this summer, including Walter Isaacson’s biography Leonardo da Vinci and George Saunders’s novel, Lincoln in the Bardo. (Gates Notes)
“After decades of dwarves, elves, and other Norse-based mythology, the world of fantasy is changing, incorporating the myths and legends of cultures around the world.” Donna Bryson argues that writers of color are reinventing the science fiction and fantasy genre. (Christian Science Monitor)
