"You Don't Have to Write an Essay About Your Marriage and Your Divorce"

First, a note to the new subscribers who have found their way here. I started this newsletter because I was, and still am, obsessed with talking to writers about process and ideas in the context of real life. I always hope that these conversations can be a balm or an inspiration or even, sometimes, a provocation for people trying to make something despite all the challenges. If you are a parent trying to write, welcome. If you are a writer thinking about becoming a parent, welcome. If you are a writer with no skin in the parenting game trying to get a sense of all the different ways other people approach this often crazy-making work, welcome. If you’re a person who just likes reading extremely informal interviews about writers and books, also welcome. I think you’ll find a lot that’s of interest and I’m glad you’re here. I can think of no better Valentine’s Day interviewee than Merve Emre, academic, critic, and, as of this past July, Director of the Shapiro Center for Creative Writing

First, a note to the new subscribers who have found their way here. I started this newsletter because I was, and still am, obsessed with talking to writers about process and ideas in the context of real life. I always hope that these conversations can be a balm or an inspiration or even, sometimes, a provocation for people trying to make something despite all the challenges. If you are a parent trying to write, welcome. If you are a writer thinking about becoming a parent, welcome. If you are a writer with no skin in the parenting game trying to get a sense of all the different ways other peop