The Diets of Poets, Six Egyptian Writers You Should Know, and More

by
Evan Smith Rakoff
6.24.11

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:

Today's Guardian Books podcast examines gay writers, the gay and lesbian literary canon, how books can change the world, and reading as an expression of sexuality.

Andrew McConnell Stott plumbs the diets of poets and describes one of the greatest dinner parties in the history of literature. (Lapham's Quarterly)

The summer book club Tell Me More, a radio show hosted by Michel Martin, will discuss books that delve into the mixed-race experience in America. Today Michel speaks to Danzy Senna, author of the short-story collection, You Are Free. (National Public Radio)

Bookseller.com reports physical bookstores are frustrated with J. K. Rowling's Pottermore, a website through which the author will directly sell Harry Potter e-books.

Jane Ciabattari speaks with Kate Christensen's about her latest novel, The Astral. (The Daily Beast)

Broke-Ass Stuart, a travel writer who started out publishing zines and landed a book deal with the help of Craigslist, has a television show. (Wired)

Many authors, scientists and avid readers make notes in the margins of favorite books in their collection. Charles Darwin was no exception. Over three hundred books from his personal library have been scanned and made available online, marginalia included. (Open Culture)

Pauls Toutonghi offers the names of six Egyptian writers you should know but probably don't. (The Millions)