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The Danish Girl, a film adaptation of David Ebershoff's first novel, follows the story of married painters Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener, and Lili's journey as a transgender pioneer. The film is directed by Tom Hooper and stars Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander.
"The point of fiction is to cast a spell, a momentary illusion that you are living in the world of the story." In this TED-Ed animated video, author Nalo Hopkinson highlights examples from Kelly Link and Tiphanie Yanique, and shares ideas on how to get readers immersed into stories that engage the senses.
Banded Woolly Bear caterpillars that live in the Arctic have such short feeding periods that they cycle through several years of freezing solid in the winter where their bodies produce a natural antifreeze substance that thaws in the spring. They feed in the summer and then emerge as moths. Write an essay in which you examine your own basic seasonal rituals, such as winter reading or spring cleaning. How do they relate to your survival skills? Have your habits adapted to fit your needs and goals?
Life-changing books; Penguin Random House sells its self-publishing division; recent study shows people prefer books to their movie adaptations; and other news.
"I believe making art—and writing in particular—is not just a literary practice, but also a life practice." In this video, the first in a short series, Lidia Yuknavitch shares her experiences, tips, and philosophies on writing from the body, and writing with core metaphors.
In this volume of five personal essays by Marguerite Duras, translated from the French by Mark Polizzotti, topics range from the death of a fly to a painter's exhibition. Duras explores the experiences that inspired her to write and shares her perspectives on the relationships between memory, writing, and solitude.
The popular saying “you can’t go home again” refers to the difficulty of matching a confrontation of one’s childhood and home as an adult with the version that exists in nostalgia-tinged memories. This week, write a scene in which your main character has attempted to “go home again” and is in for a rude awakening. What expectations and memories did she have before arriving home? Do the shortcomings of home reveal something about her personality and identity?
In praise of unlikeable women protagonists; anticipated movie adaptations; the challenges of the illness memoir; and other news.
The end of the year is often accompanied by the practice of looking back at the previous twelve months and drawing up “Best of” lists: best moments, best books, best songs. As the new year kicks off, browse through some 2015 lists and jot down words, phrases, and notes about the themes in popular songs and books. Then write a poem that encapsulates the spirit of the music and literature recognized in 2015.
Library of Congress names national ambassador for young people’s literature; the most anticipated books of 2016; how the role of the editor has changed over time; and other news.
