State of Wonder by Ann Patchett: The Hero’s Journey

This week I read the novel State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. While there are aspects of the book I might quarrel with (the characters are…

October 1 is ZHANG BOYS Day

My novel in stories, WHAT THE ZHANG BOYS KNOW, will be published on October 1, 2012. (Advance copies are already available, but this is…

Procrastination

The very act of creating this post is procrastination, of course. I’m supposed to be working on a new book–that’s what my mind’s schedule…

We have a winner!

A couple of weeks ago, in connection with an interview I did with Susan Woodring, I ran a contest for a free advance reader’s…

I am interviewed in r.kv.r.y quarterly literary journal

The terrific online magazine r.kv.r.y, which earlier this summer published my story “The Year of the Rooster,” has just put up an interview with…

New Short Story Class Begins October 8: Writers.com

Make Your Story Great! It’s back to school time for all of us. And now is your chance to enroll in an online writing…

Win a Book!

This is the last week to enter for a chance to win a copy of Susan Woodring’s wonderful new novel, Goliath. All you have…

Book Appearance: What to expect?

The new book isn’t officially out yet, but today marks the first of many promotional appearances in support of its publication. And I’m excited!…

Book Launch: Let Them Eat Cake

I see no reason to limit myself to just ONE book launch party. So we had the very nice affair down in Winston-Salem last…

Book Buying Options

Although the official publication date for my new book is October 1, advance copies are beginning to find their way into the hands of…