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Byatt profiled

A.S. Byatt says she’s losing the “novel writer’s compulson to do damage to characters.”

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Ron Hogan talks briefly with writer Greg Ames

I’ve praised Greg Ames’ short story “Physical Discipline” so many times, with so little specificity, it’s become embarrassing. Even more embarrassing: the fact that his first novel, Buffalo Lockjaw is out, and I have yet to read it (unlike Aimee Bender and Sam Lipsyte, whose quotes appear on the back cover). Ames is featured tomorrow night at Beatrice editor Ron . . .

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The Smart Set: Lauren Cerand’s weekly events

The Smart Set is a weekly feature, compiled and posted by Lauren Cerand, that usually appears Mondays at 12:30 pm, and highlights the best of the week to come. Special favor is given to New York’s independent booksellers and venues, and low-cost and free events. Please send details to Ms. Cerand at lauren [at] maudnewton.com by the Thursday prior to . . .

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Happy weekend from the archives: talking Texan

Recently I remembered a compilation of my granny’s (pictured) sayings that appeared online in 2003 on a site that’s since gone to internet heaven. I managed to dig up the list, so here are the “Favorite Expressions of My Deceased (and Beloved) Texan Grandmother, with Explanations”: 1. He looked at me like a calf at a new gate. Translation: “Even . . .

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