A Virtual Visit to Prairie Lights

Prairie Lights Bookstore

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

The Poet's House 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.

Virtual Book Launch Video

The Poet's House

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.

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

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.

On Prince and Writing Sex Scenes

She Poured Out Her Haert

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.