Want to blog about books? Here’s how you do it … plus new Dante

Many folks write about books, and one of the most effective practitioners is a WP friend of mine, Jil Hoffmann. I want to point you in the direction of one of her recent posts --  a blend of reporting/commentary/mixed media as she describes Dan Chaon's insights into the craft of writing. "The Uncanny, Hope, and … Continue reading Want to blog about books? Here’s how you do it … plus new Dante

Reviews of Dan Brown’s latest … ugh

Another Dan Brown novel, another pack of smug reviews. Here’s my confession:  I’m already sick of the reviews of Brown’s "Inferno," and the book only pubbed a day ago. Reviewers say that Brown doesn’t do anything new in his latest, but here’s the thing: neither do they. The criticisms are predictable; the angles are all … Continue reading Reviews of Dan Brown’s latest … ugh

Profile in courage

Dante Alighieri is a fascinating figure, and hopefully I'll be able to tell you what really fascinates me about that poor, exiled figure at some point in the near future when my work on a book about him is done. Keep your fingers crossed for me, beloved friends. In the meantime, I feel like I … Continue reading Profile in courage