The Untragic Death of Henry Gladfelter by Robert Cohen What makes a good name for a fictional character? An in-depth taxonomy, from Gradgrind to Wunderlick.
The Song of the Bomb in the Heart by Victor Brand Boris Vian produced reams of novels, plays, poems, and songs, played dazzling jazz trumpet, and never forgot to muddle his misery with his joy.
FULL TEXT The Official Guide to Official Handbooks by Andy Selsberg Reinforcing the American way of dealing with class and status: telling it like it is, but with an elbow in the ribs.
Divine Justice of the Weirdo Gods by Robert Ito Fletcher Hanks was an alcoholic wife-beater, couldn’t draw proportional bodies, and stands beside Herriman and Segar in the comics pantheon.
Ephron, French, Jong by Elizabeth Isadora Gold Can a novelist move past chick lit by returning her attention to the likes of Nora Ephron and Erica Jong? And what about Jane Eyre?
Michael Ondaatje interviewed by Tom Barbash The poet/novelist discusses a few of his several thousand sources of inspiration, and how he cannot write in front of his friends.
FULL TEXT Nancy Wilson interviewed by Maura Kelly The lead guitarist of Heart explains the benefits of slouchy body language, wearing your guitar low, and styling your hair with shaving cream.
David Simon interviewed by Nick Hornby The co-creator of the greatest television show since
Abigail’s Party describes the pleasures of violating the conventions of episodic television.
