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Literature

The Writers' Block | Feb 05, 2013

Greatest Hits: John Waters

The Writers' Block is evolving into something new! But, before we get to where we're going, let's take a look back at where we've been. In light of Baltimore's Super Bowl win, it makes sense to kick things off with John Waters! By John Waters   



The Writers' Block | Jan 20, 2013

Skagboys

Irvine Welsh, the man behind the best-selling phenomenon Trainspotting, reads a passage from its prequel, Skagboys. By Irvine Welsh   



The Writers' Block | Jan 08, 2013

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

Robin Sloan reads a passage from Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, a gleeful tale of global conspiracy, young love, and rollicking adventure. By Robin Sloan   



The Writers' Block | Dec 31, 2012

Best of The Writers' Block 2012

2012 was a really great year for books and an even better one for KQED's book-lovin' podcast, The Writers' Block. Although, as the program's Producer, every episode is a home run in my book, here's a rundown of a few authors that truly blew me away. By Emmanuel Hapsis   

Pop Culture | Dec 21, 2012

The End of the World: Musings from Notable Writers

Several Bay Area writers contemplate the meaning of December 21, the end of the Mayan Calendar -- and hopefully the beginning of a new, more compassionate era. By Ingrid Rojas Contreras   

The Writers' Block | Dec 17, 2012

Birds of a Lesser Paradise

Megan Mayhew Bergman reads a passage from her debut collection, Birds of a Lesser Paradise. By Megan Mayhew Bergman   



The Writers' Block | Dec 10, 2012

A Working Theory of Love

Scott Hutchins, a former Truman Capote Fellow in the Wallace Stegner Program at Stanford, reads a passage from his debut, A Working Theory of Love. By Scott Hutchins   



The Writers' Block | Dec 03, 2012

The Cursing Mommy's Book of Days

Ian Frazier reads a passage from The Cursing Mommy's Book of Days, a comic novel based on his widely read columns for The New Yorker. By Ian Frazier   



NPR Books | Dec 02, 2012

A Warrior's Welcome In 'Billy Lynn'

Ben Fountain's newest book, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, takes place over the course of a single day in the life of Spc. William Lynn. Author Jonathan Evison writes that this is a book so vivid he felt like he lived it. Have you ever read a book that felt real? Tell us in the comments. By Jonathan Evison   

The Writers' Block | Nov 26, 2012

The Entertainer

Margaret Talbot, staff writer for The New Yorker, reads a passage from The Entertainer about her Hollywood actor father and his relationship with Ed Wood. (Running Time: 11:46) By Margaret Talbot   



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Author Interviews
  • 'Lunch Lady' Author Helps Students Draw Their Own Heroes

    Can you imagine your own superhero? That's the question author and illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka posed to kids on a recent afternoon at a school in Washington, D.C. Krosoczka also described how he overcame a difficult childhood to become the author of the beloved Lunch Lady series.

  • Fictional 'Mothers' Reveal Facts Of A Painful Adoption Process

    After years trying to conceive, novelist Jennifer Gilmore and her husband decided to adopt. What they thought would be a relatively simple process was instead a long and painful one. In her latest novel, Gilmore channels these autobiographical experiences into fiction.

  • After Crashing In Canadian 'Abyss,' Four Men Fight To Survive

    On an icy night in 1984, a commuter plane crashed in the wilderness. Six passengers died, but four survived: the pilot, a politician, a policeman and a prisoner. Carol Shaben's Into the Abyss describes their fight to make it through that frigid night alive.

  • Courtside Chemistry: How NBA's Phil Jackson Won 'Eleven Rings'

    Jackson is famous for his philosophical take on basketball and for the many stars he led to championship triumphs. He taught his players yoga and gave them assigned reading — but also pushed them to intensely practice fundamental skills. His new book looks back on a legendary coaching career.

Also on KQED.org this week ...

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ImageMakers - 88:88 (You Should Be Paranoid, 2013)
Enter the New "ImageMakers" Screening Room

Enjoy films from present and past seasons of KQED's short independent film series, divided into Animation, Comedy, Drama, and Suspense.