Miscellany

Odds, ends, assorted jawns

A small, good thing by Thomas Morris – Tiny letter that every so often recommends a literary work

James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues” – One of the best short stories ever written

Ilsa Brink Design – Graphic and web designer who specializes in designing web sites for authors.  You’re on one of her sites right now

Fifty Storms – A small, good thing from genius editor Yuka Igarashi

The Center for Fiction – Caring space for fiction writers in Brooklyn, NY

clippings

Franklin Park Reading Series – Epic series run by Penina Roth

A friend once attended a panel discussion with William Gass, and someone asked what it was like to write this story, possibly the second best ever written (see above), and Gass said, “I don’t remember. I don’t remember writing it at all.”

The Invention of Morel – “A perfect novel.” — Borges

Japan’s Lonely Vending Machines 

The author Mieko Kawakami interviewed Haruki Murakami about the portrayal of women in his stories and novels and it’s a master class in interviewing

Munster Literature Centre – Non-profit arts center in Cork, Ireland, dedicated to advancing literature. MHB was the Frank O’Connor International Short Story fellow there

Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia – One of MHB’s favorite places in Philadelphia

Yoko Ogawa’s REVENGE– A very good short story collection/ required reading

One Story – Brooklyn-based literary magazine that publishes one story, every three weeks. Now offering the Adina Talve-Goodman Fellowship to a writer who inhabits a body of difference.

In Palau, an island country in the Western Pacific Ocean – Jellyfish have made their home in a lake that used to be connected to the sea by a tunnel

Sean Casey Animal Rescue – Brooklyn-based non-profit, no-kill shelter dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and placing animals

Esme Shapiro – Brilliant illustrator and good egg

Adina Talve-Goodman -“I Must Have Been that Man,” essay. Adina was only beginning to come to terms with her new health when she came upon a man in need of her help. Their pride clashed as over the course of a rainy afternoon they carried each other.

Film

The movie is called “Beginners” and stars Ewan McGregor, a man who could easily be mistaken for another man. Perhaps this is why he is famous. 1. New way to discuss love.

2. Master class in dialogue.

3. Couldn’t talk for two days.

4. Bring me the big knife.

5. I don’t know. It’s a mystery.

6. Best last scene in film. 

7. Master class in plot.

8. O R You?

9. Her famous plum cake.

10. I hope it lasts.