“When I think about the political unconsciousness of masculinity, it’s queerness.” That’s Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Diaz discussing masculinity, science fiction, and writing as an act of defiance, in conversation with Hilton Als, theater critic for The New Yorker, part of a series of conversations that took place at The Strand, New York’s legendary independent book store, and I’ve been thinking … Read More
Works in Progress: Relics
I’ve been drafting a new short story for the last month or so, in between revising chapters of Kublai, the science fiction novel I wrote via dictation last year. This short story is entitled either “Relics” (or “In Blackwater Woods”–I haven’t decided yet), and I’m experiencing that great creative high that comes with finishing the first draft. In part because this … Read More
Monday Muse: Monica Drake
I’m kicking off a regular series here at The Big Idea called Monday Muse, in which I’ll share what I’m drawing creative inspiration from each week. And what better place to start than with The Folly of Loving Life, the latest from one of my very favorite writers, Monica Drake? I loved The Stud Book, Drake’s last novel, and so … Read More
