What is a sestina verse form?

Today, I thought it would be fun to look at a type of poem and learn a little of its history.

James Joyce: Author of “Finnegans Wake” and “Ulysses”

I have mentioned my minor obsession with modernist literature, and James Joyce falls right in line, although I always find his work difficult to digest (I don’t think I’m alone in this). However, as we know, just because literature can be difficult doesn’t mean it should be ridiculed or ignored. For today’s post, let’s take a look at Joyce’s life and a few major works!

Knowledge on fire: why does book burning happen?

Wherever there is knowledge, there will be those who look to remove it, because facts and evidence can stand contrary to entire parties—and that really upsets oligarchs, demagogues, and dictators. For today’s post, let’s take a look at the world as Ray Bradbury envisioned it in Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and try to understand why burning books happens.

When death keeps you from writing: 4 unfinished works by famous writers

It’s not uncommon in the writing world for authors of any stature, from novice to expert, to set aside works because they lack the knowledge, skill, or motivation to complete them. But, sometimes even with the wherewithal, death has a way of curbing productivity. With that being said, what follows is a small collection of famous unfinished works by writers you probably know.

The smell of semi-new books and the witchy season

I am in the mood for pumpkins, ghouls, and Halloween specials, so I bought a couple of books to tide me over until the most glorious day of the year.

The trial of “Howl” and its impact on poetry

In the same way I wonder about how people could possibly burn books or ban them (and it doesn’t matter how progressive you think the modern era is—there are always people), how is it that we can take artists and writers to task for what they write or for the thought crimes they allegedly commit?

Allen Ginsberg reading “Howl”

I took yesterday off from blogging because it’s okay to take a break from writing every once in a while (I’m really just trying to write everyday–the struggle is real), but I thought it would be cool to share this video of Allen Ginsberg reading “Howl” in advance of tomorrow’s post (you’ll understand more after I post it).