Write the Story @ Ferguson Library: Friday Optional Assignment #1

The class is on! We had our first meeting on Tuesday, and I enjoyed beginning to get to know everyone.

Here's a reading for this week:


Preface to CivilWarLand in Bad Decline by George Saunders

In this essay, which appeared as a preface to his debut short-story collection in 1996, George Saunders describes the process of finding his voice as a writer, and balancing his desire to write with his need to earn a living and support his family. This is a favorite essay of mine, one I often send my students.

Bonus:

Here's a great video of him discussing how to love your characters.