A few quick things I’m reminding myself of every time I write:

1) Tell the truth, but don’t list the facts.
This is the breath of life of every story, and it applies to fiction and non-fiction alike

Welcome to the first Book Club Question of the Week. I’ve asked this one several times, either to a friend while drinking coffee, or a group of people over facebook, but here’s a place to have all the answers compiled. In honor of City Paper’s “Best Of” week,
What is the best opening line of any novel, play, short story, or memoir you’ve read?
Can’t decide? Not a problem. You can submit more than one. I promise, if it’s a book I haven’t already read, I’ll read consider reading it soon.

I’ve mentioned before that I have this expensive habit of buying a book based on the cover almost every time I go in a bookstore. The Book Thief is one that I’ve picked up several times over the last few years, but always found another sitting close by that I thought looked even better. It turns out none of them were.
One of the good things about working for a non-profit focused on literacy is that most of the volunteers have a big list of books to recommend, and when one …

The Year of the Short Story
Before I moved into my new apartment (with roomates) my usual morning routine consisted of one cup of oatmeal, one pot of coffee, and one short story. A few of these collections were from familiar favorites, but some were great new finds. It feels right to start the list, like the day, off with these.
Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing by Lydia Peele
I chose it because it had the best title on the new release shelf. I wasn’t disappointed. These stories, set mostly in rural …