Louise Erdrich

Friday Links: Black Friday Escape

Nephele Tempest

Holiday sales seem to start earlier every year, so that these days we need a Black Friday escape. Ads and sales flyers pepper us for a good week before what used to be the start of the shopping season. So instead of shopping all day, take a few hours as an excuse for some private time. Step away from football and family and doorbuster deals. Read a book. Write a page or two. Take a breather.

Because it’s been a holiday week and I’ve spent less time than usual online, I only have a handful of links for you. I hope you find them suitably entertaining and distracting in the midst of the holiday madness. Wishing you an excellent weekend, whether you’re coming off the holiday or just settling in for a normal couple of days off. Enjoy and happy writing!

This Week’s Links:

100 Notable Books of 2017. – We’re fully into the best-books season, so here’s The New York Times list of some excellent reads from this year.

Louise Erdrich, Great American Novelist, Is Just Getting Started. – A look at the author’s career to mark the release of her 16th book.

Watership Down Author’s Personal Library Reveals Precious Treasures. – A peek at the library of Richard Adams, soon to go up for auction.

6 YA Books to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month. – Given current discussions about the realities behind our Thanksgiving holiday, it feels appropriate to become more educated about Native American heritage in November.

How a Young Ernest Hemingway Dealt with His First Taste of Fame. – An interesting look at the famous author from when he wasn’t quite so famous. A good reminder that every writer starts somewhere.

Friday Links: Holiday Writing Inspiration

Nephele Tempest

Everyone can use some holiday writing inspiration, and this marks the start of my annual pep talks for the season. We’re heading into Thanksgiving here in the U.S., and from there it’s one occasion after another until New Year’s. I run a December Writing Challenge each year, but I encourage you to schedule your writing all through the holidays.

Check out this week’s links for industry information, ideas on characterization, and ways to drum up that holiday writing inspiration. And keep an eye on this space for more writing challenge information coming soon. Enjoy, and happy writing!

This Week’s Links:

It Is Okay to Change Paths. – Bestselling author Tess Gerritsen talks about changing her career from doctor to writer.

Paper is a wonderful technology. – Austin Kleon shares how an exhibit at the Ransom Center inspired him to embrace his paper notebook.

Ilana Masad on the Shrinking of the Industry, Literary Social Media, and Hidden Criticism. – The writer and podcast host discusses how social media has changed literary criticism, and other shifts in the industry from a reviewer’s point of view.

50 Noteable Works of Fiction in 2017. – The Washington Post weighs in on some of the best titles of the year.

Inside the Dystopian Visions of Margaret Atwood and Louise Erdrich. – At a time when Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale serves as a sort of feminist dystopian bible, Erdrich adds her own take on the idea of reproductive slavery.

Marvel’s Black Panther Rules. Literally. – A wonderful interview with actor Chadwick Boseman, with excellent thoughts regarding how characters build from the setting and politics of a fictional nation in this installment in the MCU.

Tor.com Reviewers’ Choice: The Best Books of 2017. – Another best-of list, with some great titles for your own TBR or gift-buying lists.

A Night at the National Book Awards. – A look into what may by the shiniest event in the U.S. publishing world.