New literary awards, author visits, a zombie story by Margaret Atwood, and more
A brand new month means all kinds of new beginnings in the world of literature. Enjoy the links this week, and don't forget to come back next week for your dose of literary news!
News, Reviews, and Interviews
The shortlist for the T.S. Eliot Prize was announced recently. How many of these fine poets have you read?
Why, exactly, did Johnny Depp feel inclined to launch his own book imprint? Because he simply loves books.
As publishing conglomerates continue to grow and profit, some smaller presses have begun to pull out of the running for famous literary prizes. But this blogger wonders if that's even worth the effort.
Chinese Literature Today managing editor Jonathan Stalling responded to Didi Kirsten Tatlow's coverage of the Chinese literature prize winners.
Is language in danger? This blogger wonders if we're losing our grasp on language by "dumbing down" words and ideas.
A new study's findings substantiates the claim that writers (and creative people in general) are more likely to suffer from serious mental illness.
For Your Calendar
Submissions are now open for all of the 2013 literary awards offered by the PEN American Center.
Authors Gerald Stern and Anne Marie Macari will be visiting the University of Oklahoma campus later this month. Start making your plans to come now—seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis.
There's a new exhibit at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History from now until January. If you're in the Norman/OKC area or are planning a trip, you won't want to miss it!
Fun Finds and Inspiration
Think your family has issues? Check out these rather dysfunctional literary families—they'll help you feel better about yours.
Get into the spirit of Halloween this week with a new story about zombies by dystopian writer extraoirdinare, Margaret Atwood.
Math and poetry . . . who would have thought? The Scientific American has a recent article about mathematical poems on their website.
The Guardian put 21 authors to the test (including Geoff Dyer, David Lodge, and Hari Kunzru) when they asked them to write whole stories with only 140 characters—just enough for a Tweet.
Sebha Sarwar shares her tips for how to find genuine moments of silence in today's hustle and bustle world.
Dive headfirst into the world of Shakespeare's plays with a new iPhone app from Cambridge University.
Chinese Literature Today is giving away copies of Mo Yan's forthcoming novel Sandalwood Death to people who enter the contest through their Facebook page.
