Novelists Who Write Reviews, the Magic of Memoirs, Maya Angelou Honored, and More

by
James F. Thompson
9.5.13

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:

The New York Times discusses the current state of fiction reviews and why novelists fear writing negative reviews will adversely impact their careers.

Beth Kephart examines outward-reaching narratives in select memoirs while addressing the universal power of shared experiences. (Millions)

Maya Angelou to receive the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, which honors the author and poet for her contributions to the literary community. (Huffington Post)

Author Nina Schuyler discusses her novel, The Translator, and the complexities of emotional renewal, strong female protagonists, and becoming attached to one's characters. (Rumpus)

The New Yorker recommends a list of notable books to look out for this September.

Ploughshares offers a writing lesson on why the idea of a perfect first draft is a literary delusion.

Two Harvard seniors delve into the disappearing world of zines and discover what self-publishing meant before the digital age. (Harvard Gazette)