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Literary Culture

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The Life of Writer and Artist Mervyn Peake
Writer of the Gormenghast books, Mervyn Laurence Peake, led a life to rival any of his works of fiction.
The Agency of Eve
In Paradise Lost, John Milton refuses to portray Eve as the flat character many readers take her for. It appears that for this author she is far more than the bubble-he
Writers & Networking – Building a Writing Career
Networking is the one thing (besides talent) that can put a writer's career into high gear. Both book contracts and freelance writing jobs can increase dramatically.
Crossings Book Club Review
A look at the popular Crossings book club which offers all types of Christian books, Bibles, and other faith based books.
Recommended Children's Literary Magazines
Educators, Librarians and other professionals can find book reviews, timely articles about literature for children and young adults through these wonderful magazines.
The Best Holiday Present for Book Owners
Book clouds used to be just about cataloging personal libraries. But they're no longer just a book data base; the best have added social networking and interactivity.
Tips for Writers on Finding Poetry Publishers
How easy is it to find poetry publishers? To some disillusioned poets, it seems almost impossible. These tips will help smooth the way to poetry publishing for writers.
The Google Book Controversy
The Google Book Project is designed to make books more accessible. But many argue the cost is too high--violating copyright, antitrust, and privacy laws.
The New Vampire in Literature
It would appear that vampires have evolved with the times in order to remain a fixture in popular fiction, but how have they found a home in romance?
Online Book Review Sites Assist Book Lovers
While bookreaders often delight in the printed dissections provided by industry standards, sometimes time constraints make quick online review options a better fit.
The Classic Vampire in Literature
Today, vampires seem to be a fixture in romance novels, but how did they originate into the human consciousness and how did they evolve in their journey through horror?
Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers and Authors
Books are always 'safe' gifts - but why not go further? Here are some gift ideas that will thrill writers so much they'll name their main character after the giver!
Best Book Club Books for the Holidays
Consider a holiday themed book during the hectic months of November and December. A discussion with book club friends is a great way to reduce stress this season.
What Makes a Literary Book?
This article looks at the problems for critics and readers who attempt to establish what makes classic books.
Patriotic Quotes and Sayings
Patriotic quotations and sayings about freedom and love of country are perfect for Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Independence day essays and speeches.
Boss Day Quotes and Sayings
Funny and thought-provoking quotes about bosses and working are perfect for greeting cards and emails for the boss on National Boss's Day, October 16.
Margaret Atwood – Year of the Flood
Celebrated Canadian author reads from her dark, sharp, funny novel before appreciative Los Angeles audience
Parenthood Quotes and Sayings
Parenting can be comical at times, and tough at other times. Get inspired and laugh with some great quotes and sayings about parenthood.
Teacher Quotes and Sayings
Humorous and thought-provoking quotes about teachers and the teaching profession are perfect for teacher gifts, greeting cards, and daily inspiration.
How to Publish a Literary Journal
Literary journals are periodicals filled with provocative writing, art, essays and reviews. Enter the world of publishing and learn the basics of starting a lit journal.
ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards 2009
ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards and the Crime Writers' Association join forces to honour Lynda La Plante, Ruth Rendell, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and others.
Review – The Vampire Is Just Not That Into You
Twilight, True Blood, and The Vampire Diaries have made women everywhere swoon for the oldest bad boy in the book: the vampire. Here's how to get him... and keep him.
Freya Stark - A Travel Writing Pioneer
More than as a historian, adventurer or cartographer, Freya Stark's merit lies in her unique style of travel writing.
Cell Phone Novels Have Arrived in North America
Cell phone novels, called keitai shousetsu in Japanese, are the first literary genre to come out of the cellular age of text messaging. They've made it to America.
Book Review - Hurricane Punch
Rip-roaring winds, two killers on the loose, and all the useless facts and landmarks that anyone could ever dream of knowing about Florida. Tim Dorsey, at it again.
Inspiring Writing Quotes to Keep on the Desk
Ever found yourself stuck for the perfect word? Unable to describe something typical in a new way? Have nothing to write about? Use these quotes to inspire your writing.
Writing Quotes to Inspire Great Fiction
Great writing quotes can inspire writers to start, complete or improve a writing project. The advice of these writers can inspire your next creative writing project.
Inspiring Quotes by Writers for Writers
Talented writers' quotes inspire writers to break through writer's block, write better fiction, revise effectively and feel understood through words of another writer.
Modern Writers for Modern Readers – Tim Dorsey
The war of entertainment is being won by visual media. Some people accept this, however, others like author Tim Dorsey, choose to fight.
Attending Edinburgh International Book Festival
A civilised oasis of calm in Edinburgh's hectic August festival season, the Book Festival has something for everyone, whatever your age or interests.
Sid Zion, Novelist, Reporter, Dies
It's really hard to do Sid Zion justice if you didn't know him. He had an enormous sense of self that, at the same time, made you shake your head and want to hear more.
Free Services at Public Libraries
Since the first U.S. public library was established in 1848, libraries have been providing free services.
Efforts to Improve Literacy in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia's African American bookstores, places like Shrine of the Black Madonna and Medu, are champions in the city's effort against illiteracy.
Northanger Abbey – A Jane Austen Novel
In Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey, Austen takes what is expected from a typical romance novel and puts a satirical twist on it.
Poisoned Pen WebCon
Thousands of mystery fans will convene online to meet and mingle with their favorite mystery authors at the first ever mystery writing conference on October 24, 2009.
Advice for Submitting to a Literary Journal
Here are some tips to remember when attempting to publish fiction, poetry, or non-fiction essay in a literary journal.
NPR's Summer Book List 2009
NPR just released its yearly list of recommended titles for the summer of 2009. A brief overview of their selections for summer reading enjoyment.
Interview With Young Novelist Estevan Vega
Estevan Vega had two novels published by the time he was eighteen and is about to release a third. In this interview, he talks about his experiences as a young writer.
Interview With Estevan Vega
Estevan Vega is the author of two novels and has a third one scheduled for release. This article continues an interview with him and talks about his virtual book tour.
Infinite Jest Gets Infinite Summer Reading Event
Infinite Summer kick-off this week lets readers worldwide discover - or rediscover - the genius of the contemporary author who committed suicide in 2008 at age 46.
The Importance of Writing Literary Reviews
Critics have been controversial figures, much-abused over the centuries. However, criticism provides the public with a critical language and raises literary standards.
An Overview of the Sookie Stackhouse Novels
The Southern Vampire Mysteries series, better known as the Sookie Stackhouse series, is growing in popularity thanks in part to the HBO series True Blood.
He Wrote New York
The works of Woody Allen, Tom Wolfe, Walt Whitman and George Templeton Strong help define the capital of the world.
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
A brief look at this year's Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program for school-age children, including resources for parents.
Words From the South
If the title "Standard English" depended on the number of people who spoke it or the interesting words it contains, Southern English would be Standard.
How to Join the Twitter Jonathon Ross Book Club
Online book clubs using social networking sites such as Twitter offer a great opportunity to virtually meet and discuss books. Find out how in this step by step guide.
May is Get Caught Reading Month
This year marks the 10th anniversary celebration of Get Caught Reading Month. A look at the history and how individuals and communities can join in the festivities.
Children's Book Week 2009
Children's Book Week is an annual event that brings together kids, teens, parents, libraries and schools and fosters a love and appreciation of reading.
How to Conduct an Effective Interview
The key to an authoritative, readable journalistic article or book is the ability to conduct an effective interview, an art that can be mastered with specific techniques.
How to be Both Writer and Marketer
Writers must be both artist and marketer, and there are specific organizational, creative, and business techniques to help them successfully walk the tightrope.