Title of Work and its Form: “Give Me a Ring Sometime,” an episode of the television program Cheers Authors: Written by Les Charles and Glen Charles, Directed by James Burrows Date of Work: Originally broadcast September 30, 1982 Where the Work Can Be Found: This is the pilot episode of Cheers, one of the most … Continue reading »
Title of Work and its Form: “The Lottery,” short story Author: Shirley Jackson Date of Work: 1948 Where the Work Can Be Found: The story was originally published in The New Yorker‘s June 26, 1948 issue. You can also find the story in a ton of anthologies. Element of Craft We’re Stealing: Tone Discussion: I … Continue reading »
Title of Work and its Form: “Helen Keller Answers the Iron,” creative nonfiction Author: Andrew Hudgins Date of Work: 2011 Where the Work Can Be Found: The essay was originally published in the Spring 2011 issue of the Kenyon Review and was reprinted in the 2013 edition of the Pushcart Prize anthology. Element of Craft … Continue reading »
Title of Work and its Form: “The Road Not Taken,” poem Author: Robert Frost Date of Work: 1915 Where the Work Can Be Found: The poem has appeared in just about every anthology of poetry ever. Element of Craft We’re Stealing: Sentence Beauty Discussion: Highly anthologized works like “The Road Not Taken” have been taught … Continue reading »
Title of Work and its Form: “Diem Perdidi,” short story Author: Julie Otsuka Date of Work: 2011 Where the Work Can Be Found: The story originally appeared in Issue 117 of Granta. The story was subsequently reprinted in The Best American Short Stories 2012, edited by Tom Perrotta. Element of Craft We’re Stealing: Narrative Technique … Continue reading »
Title of Work and its Form: The End of Everything, novel Author: Megan Abbott Date of Work: 2011 Where the Work Can Be Found: At fine independent booksellers anywhere. Fine. Okay. The book can also be purchased on Amazon. Element of Craft We’re Stealing: Description Discussion: Edgar Award-winning author Megan Abbott’s first novels are pulp … Continue reading »
Title of Work and its Form: “Mommie Dearest,” nonfiction…we’re also considering the rest of the Hitchens oeuvre. Author: Christopher Hitchens Date of Work: 2003 Where the Work Can Be Found: The article was originally published on Slate. Hitchens also published a book about Mother Teresa called (somewhat cheekily) The Missionary Position. In addition to publishing … Continue reading »
Title of Work and its Form: I Told You I Wasn’t Perfect, autobiography Author: Denny McLain with Eli Zaret Date of Work: 2007 Where the Work Can Be Found: The book can be purchased at any independent bookstore or on Powell’s. Element of Craft We’re Stealing: Structure Discussion: As a lifelong fan of the Detroit … Continue reading »
Let’s face it: you don’t want to miss any of the incisive analysis that can only be found on Great Writers Steal. Okay, maybe your Facebook page just feels lonely. Either way, why not join the Great Writers Steal Group on Facebook? You can even follow the site on Twitter. And don’t worry; I don’t … Continue reading »
Title of Work and its Form: Home is the Sailor, novel Author: Day Keene Date of Work: 1952 Where the Work Can Be Found: The book was republished by Hard Case Crime in 2005. You can also purchase vintage copies at fine secondhand booksellers. Element of Craft We’re Stealing: Description Discussion: It’s hard to find … Continue reading »