Conservative vs. Liberal Book Bans
Column by Peter Derk December 23, 2021
Book bans: why do conservatives do it, why do liberals do it, and why should they both knock it off?
David S. Wills on Hunter S. Thompson and the Rise and Fall of Gonzo Journalism
Interview by Gabriel Hart
Gabriel Hart interviews David S. Wills, author of the new Hunter S. Thompson biography "High White Notes," a lengthy academic dissection of HST's writing.
An Interview with Hardcore-fiction Author Tia Ja'nae
Interview by Gabriel Hart
Political satirist author/artist Tia Ja'nae talks to Gabriel Hart about her bleak new novel, 'Ghosts On The Block Never Sleep' (Uncle B Publications).
Politics, Cash Grabs, and Hair: The End of the Trump Parody Book
Column by Peter Derk January 20, 2021
The well is dry, the dead horse has taken a posthumous beating, and as the era comes to a close, what will we take away?
Evaluating The Wit and Wisdom of H.L. Mencken
Column by Joshua Isard September 15, 2020
Parsing the style and substance of the cultural critic, H.L. Mencken. Does it hold up to modern scrutiny?
What If Books Aren't The Answer To Our Problems?
Column by Peter Derk
Have you ever stopped to consider there are questions books can't answer?
Tricking People Into Diverse Reading
Column by Peter Derk
Bait, wait, and snap the trap closed. Easier than it sounds, but you've got this.
Should I Use A Sensitivity Reader?
Column by Peter Derk
What's a sensitivity reader? Why's a sensitivity reader? Should you find one?
Interview: 10 Questions with Francesco Levato
Interview by Leza Cantoral
The "Arsenal/Sin Documentos" author discusses art, heritage and activism, and how they intersect.
Writing Dystopian Fiction When the World Is Going Mad
Column by Nick Kolakowski November 5, 2019
Far-fetched, near future tales are seeming less and less far-fetched these days. How do you achieve the proper balance in your world building?
Storytelling: This Ain't Church
Column by Jessica Marie Baumgartner
Always be passionate about what you believe, but write in a way that give readers the benefit of the doubt.
13 Books That Wouldn't Be Published Today
Column by Peter Derk June 17, 2019
Is 2019 too sensitive for these titles?
Interview: Jared Yates Sexton on "The Man They Wanted Me to Be"
Interview by Steph Post
The author and political commentator discusses his new book and the crisis of toxic masculinity.
10 Authors Who Should Run for President
Column by Gabino Iglesias
I would vote for these folks, and they would probably do a decent job.
How Did Comics Become a Social and Political Battleground?
Column by Peter Derk
Drama of the highest order! Anger! Outrage! Defensiveness! Spider-Men!
Why We Need Border Fiction More Than Ever
Column by Justin Hunter November 29, 2017
Now, more than ever, we need to amplify the voices of the border. We need to read and share more border fiction to help spread understanding.
Why Art is So Important During Turbulent Times
Column by Karis Rogerson
Art is extra important during times of turbulence because it provides escapism, fosters empathy and broadens our horizons.
The Voices of Trumpmerica
Column by Leah Dearborn
This is the first Independence Day under a new presidential administration, and it's unlikely to be one we'll forget.
10 Books Donald Trump Should Read
Column by Christoph Paul June 29, 2017
I speak personally to President Trump and suggest 10 books that would make him a better human being.
Let's Get Political: 10 Tactics for Writing Resistance Fiction
Column by Susan DeFreitas March 27, 2017
Since 9-11, we're living in a brave new world--one where 'Brave New World' is once again a bestseller. But you don't have to write dystopian sci-fi to write fiction of the #resistance.
8 Books for March 8th: International Women's Day
Column by Stephanie Bonjack March 8, 2017
Women around the world have been celebrating International Women's Day since 1909. It marks our struggle for rights and equality. Here are a few titles by women making a difference in the world.
Resist, Rebel, Repeat: A Writer’s Guide to Post-Trump America
Column by Keith Rawson December 27, 2016
Have you turned into a scared little rabbit, since the election? If so, this column ain't gonna be for you. Because it's time to get pissed and stay pissed, people.
Finding Beauty in the Darkness
Column by Leah Rhyne December 21, 2016
We face dark times now, yes. It's important to realize: we've been here before, and we survived. I know because writers tell us, finding beauty in darkness, a literary legacy of stars in the night sky
How to Fight Fascism with Superheroes
Column by Bart Bishop December 15, 2016
A look at 'Last Night, A Superhero Saved My Life', a collection of essays on how superheroes inspire— specifically Ron Currie Jr.'s take on the 1982 Wolverine mini-series and masculinity.
