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Reginald Dwayne Betts, whose latest poetry collection, Felon, is out now from Norton, sits down with poet and activist Mahogany L. Browne for a conversation about political poetry and the realities of the U.S. prison system.
A former writing teacher explores the best methods for encouraging new talent.
“My work is a lifelong celebration of futility.” Artist Roman Muradov, designer of this issue’s cover, discusses his various wells of inspiration, his relationship to the written word, and the importance of doing nothing.
A writer and workshop instructor grapples with what he sees as an increasing resistance toward the work of established authors among writing students.
Novelist Eleanor Henderson discusses the beauty and necessity of backstory in fiction, offering a counterpoint to a previously published article in which novelist Benjamin Percy warned writers about the dangers of backstory.
The author examines thirteen common instances of writer’s block—or what she calls “the studious avoidance of writing”—and offers practical fixes for each.
Write a poem inspired by extreme weather, a fiction piece in which the protagonist reevaluates the definition of home, and a lyric essay incorporating scenes written like a script.
The executive director of National Novel Writing Month reflects on a quote from dancer Martha Graham, and how her acceptance of “divine dissatisfaction” can be applied to the writing life.
The legendary author of Slaughterhouse-Five explores some of the fundamental questions facing aspiring writers.
