A primer on what can go wrong in writing a novel
March 11, 2016 I worry that I’ll never finish. I worry that I’ll finish a draft and never revise it. I worry that I’ll finish the book and no agent will pick it up. I worry that an agent will pick it up and fail to sell it and then dump me. I worry that it will sell and get bad reviews. I worry that it will sell and get no reviews. I worry—
A spring bounty of writers’ workshops and festivals is being offered across Tennessee
March 1, 2016 As Leo Tolstoy wrote in his masterpiece Anna Karenina, “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” That’s certainly true for literary culture across Tennessee, where abundant book festivals and writers’ workshops will welcome poets, authors, aspiring writers, and students. Here’s a guide to upcoming events across the state.
With the launch of Star Line Books, Star Lowe celebrates her faith in Chattanooga readers
February 2, 2016 Star Line Books, Chattanooga’s only independent bookstore, opened last August just across Market Street from the famed Chattanooga Choo-Choo. Owner Star Lowe is passionate about books, her customers, and the Chattanooga community. She only wishes she had more time to read.
Reese Witherspoon gives young women a road map for finding their own future
December 14, 2015 Sometimes I think about all the things I wish I could tell my younger self—things like, “Don’t give in to peer pressure,” and “Don’t get bangs just because your friend Ashley did,” and “Don’t go to that party at Maggie’s house sophomore year—everyone’s going to make bad decisions and turn on you, and you’ll have to call your mom to pick you up.” But since it’s too late for me, I figured I should tell you a few things.
Remembering Memphis novelist Mark Behr, who died on November 27
December 11, 2015 Mark Behr’s classes were a thing apart. His students entered his classroom with one identity and finished the semester with another. He was formidable and transformative. On five continents. If you were lucky enough to be one of his students, he routinely promised to destroy you, to fail you, to go for the jugular. To change your life.
Nashville Public Television revives A Word on Words with new hosts J.T. Ellison and Mary Laura Philpott
November 23, 2015 With hosts J.T. Ellison and Mary Laura Philpott, Nashville Public Television has launched a new format for the late John Seigenthaler’s celebrated author-interview program, A Word on Words.
