Twihaikus, the Man Booker longlist, and Ben Jonson’s footsteps

There was much talk of the need for various revolutions within the literary world this week, including for modern poetry (again) and for quietness. Also new this week are several literary prize announcements, so make sure you check out all the lucky recipients below.

News, Reviews, and Interviews

A new interview with Can Xue for Asymptote reveals that the author never edits her stories.

A day in the life of a Chinese journalist often means being told what the news will be before it is published. 

According to some, a new Twitter trend called “Twihaiku” might be the saving grace modern poetry needs. (Which begs the question whether or not modern poetry needs saving. Refer to the lit links from July 12th for a heated debate on this subject.)

The Man Booker Prize announced the 13 titles accepted to this year’s longlist, with judges calling it the “most diverse” list yet provided.

Poetry and politics might not seem to go hand in hand, but they’re actually more similar than we realize (especially when politicians begin writing poetry).

What makes a language an actual language? It takes a bit more than simply announcing it as a language.

This year’s PEN Translation Fund winners have been announced.

The NEA translation grants for this year have also been announced, including a project working with Neustadt juror Cristina Rivera Garza.

Does the world need a “quiet revolution” to cut down all the noise in our lives? 

For Your Calendar

We have announced the dates and events for this year’s NSK Festival, celebrating children’s author and poet Naomi Shihab Nye.

Comma Press is looking for a unique intern specializing in Arabic Translation. 

Copper Canyon Press’s open reading period is officially live. The publishers will be accepting manuscripts until the end of August.

The John Dryden Translation Competition for 2013 is open until January 31, 2014. Plenty of time to get your entry prepared!

Fun Finds and Inspiration

It’s an age-old debate: should books be considered physical objects or works of art?

Traveling through Bucharest via its bookstores seems like the perfect way to travel.

Still looking for some summer reading? Try these Arabic literature picks from Muftah.

What kind of reader are you? This readerly infographic should be able to tell you.

Travel along with three professors making their way from London to Scotland on Ben Jonson’s almost 400-year-old route.