The homunculi leave us nothing but a drab fixity suspended in the isinglass of a dude named Albert whose variety shop we visit out of habit. Every morning the package of peppermint gum, because we think we know what peppermint is and believe we enjoy its flavor. Every morning the local paper, because we might…
Housebreaking the Muse: Enter Raymond Queneau
This summer has been regrettably saturated, disruptive, and shambolic. Pulled by life in too many directions, I've been operating in a fog where everything gets some of my attention but never the amount it deserves. It has been, for me, a failed summer. And, oh yes, the world seems to have gotten even madder (are…
Craft Note: When You Can’t Write, Read Your Work
Like many writers, particularly writers of innovative fiction or fiction otherwise out of the mainstream, my writing contributes zero to my ability to pay my bills. Consequently, I have to fit my writing schedule around my job. Of course, my life involves more than just writing and job, and I think all of us can…
Appearances by Yours Truly, Diane Ackerman on Mark Seinfelt’s “Word Patriots”
More "Word Patriots" news to report. A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining Mark to discuss William Burroughs and his influence on my work. This week, poet, naturalist, and memoirist Diane Ackerman joined Mark to discuss her memoir One Hundred Names for Love, which concerns the stroke suffered by her husband, Paul…
Catching Up with Mark Seinfelt’s “Word Patriots”
Life has been running away with me for several weeks, hence the scarcity of posts. In between life's demands, I've had the great pleasure of recording two appearances for Mark Seinfelt's webcast "Word Patriots." On next week's show (July 4), I review Mark's novel Baldr and Beatrice. On July 11, I explain how the work…
Ed Desautels' Maximum Fiction 