A Virtual Visit to Prairie Lights
Last night Prairie Lights Bookstore in Iowa City sponsored me for a talk on “The Poet’s House”, in conversation with Elizabeth Weiss.
Chicago, Milwaukee, and Cake
I’m just back from two book events, one in Chicago at the Book Cellar, then on to Milwaukee at Boswell Books. Thanks to everyone who hosted and everyone who came out.
My Appearance on The Chicago Review of Books “Your Favorite Book” Podcast
It’s me being interviewed about James Agee’s A Death in the Family.
Virtual Book Launch Video
The McNally Jackson Virtual Book Launch video for The Poet’s House is here. If you missed it, or just want to re-live the memories, have a look.
My Interview with NewCity Lit
No, Not A Poet: An Interview with Jean Thompson about “The Poet’s House” from NewCity Lit
What I’m Reading
I was honored to give the keynote address at the annual awards banquet of the Society of Midland Authors, May 10, in Chicago, and to serve as a judge in the Adult Fiction category.
RIP Larry Woiwode
Today brings news of the death of Larry Woiwode, best known for the 1975 novel, Beyond the Bedroom Wall. Woiwode had been a student at the University of Illinois, as I had, taking classes from some of the same teachers.
The Characters’ Favorite Songs
My novel, A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl, has three generations of women characters, and each of them has a favorite song.
On Prince and Writing Sex Scenes
I wish I could write a sex scene that was half as sexy as one of Prince’s songs. No, forget half, I’d settle for a lower percentage.
Jean Recommends
In which I give brief raves of A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, Dan Chaon’s Await Your Reply, Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It by Maile Meloy, and Pete Rock’s My Abandonment.