The Akutagawa Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in Japanese literature. It is given to ‘new or rising’ authors writing in Japanese. The award is presented to two works each year – usually. Some years there’s only one winner; some years there are three; some years they don’t award a prize at all; some years they give out four.…
Writer on the Road
Dispatches from a Nomadic Literary Life
On a warm July day last year, most of my family piled into a New York City taxi with suitcases and backpacks. The taxi sped toward the Hudson River while the driver talked on his cell phone over music thudding from the radio.…
Do literary awards matter?
Do literary prizes matter?
Yes. And no. And… sort of?
Do literary prizes matter?
No. They are silly popularity contests. There is probably politics involved. If you define importance based on prizes, following their recommendations meticulously, then you are a silly and politically pointless and popularity-obsessed person.…
Story Street Writers’ Goals and Hopes for 2025
The New Year is here, the earth is revving up to go around another try, and we’ve got to find something to make the trip worth it. Here’s some things that your Story Street neighbors are resolving, or else just hoping, that 2025 will bring.…
Books We’re Looking Forward to in 2025
A new year is not only about hangovers and personal fitness resolutions that you’ll burn out on in 3 weeks. It also means a chance to add even more books to your ever-growing pile of to-be-read books on your side table.…
So, what do you do?
“So, what do you do?”
It takes me a moment to let the question sink in.
“I’m a writer,” I answer, the words sticking to the bridge of my mouth. I drop my gaze and lift it again, awaiting the dreaded “Oh, so what have you published?”…
Story Street Writers’ Favorite Books of 2024
Alex Przybyla Recommends:
Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes, translated by Edith Grossman
Don Quixote’s Bookshop.org link is here
I’ve never read Don Quixote before. Even in a year of fantastic books — honorable mentions are East of Eden and The Eyes & The Impossible by Dave Eggers, which both made me ugly-cry for their sheer beauty — Don Quixote takes the cake.…
Build Your Own Writing Challenge
Need some writing therapy but disappointed in NaNoWriMo this year? Start your own challenge. You don't need permission!
10 Famous Authors Who Felt Like Frauds to Help You Get Over Your Latest Rejection
Whether you’re a new writer or an experienced one, you’re likely familiar with the insidious, internal voice that whispers: you’re not really a writer; your work is no good. Like death and taxes, self doubt comes for us all, particularly if you’re suffering the sting of a recent rejection.…
Curious About Beta Readers? Read On
I recently completed a novel that has been workshopped, revised repeatedly, and polished. Before I begin the query process or move to self-publish, I’d like some “consumer” feedback. I want to know how my story will be received by its intended audience.…