The Inkdrop

Matthew McGevna

Writers who don't always talk about writing.

  1. 06/05/2023

    Thank You, PEN America. Thank You, Suzanne Nossel

    This is more of a rant, than an episode. Last week PEN America held its annual gala at the Museum of Natural History, where they awarded Salman Rushdie its prize for free expression. Before the event, PEN America's chief executive, Suzanne Nossel spoke with The New York Times about the mission of her organization. Her comments sparked a mini uproar from the usual suspects on Twitter, who think censorship and the curbing of free expression is something that can only come from the right.  This episode has a lot of outside references, so check here for links to all the things I talk about. Enjoy the episode.  Links: New York Times article that started the whole kerfuffle That stupid Free Speech cartoon everyone loves to reference Alberto Gullaba Jr.'s "University Thugs" controversy Kosoko Jackson feeds that hand that bites him Amelie Wen Zhao cancels her own debut, "Blood Heir"  Chandler Morrison grosses people out at a gross out contest. Grossed out people get upset that they got grossed out.  Michael Dickman's "Scholl's Ferry Road" removed with apologies Myriam Gurba's searing review of Jeanine Cummins' "American Dirt." Roald Dahl's books are bowdlerized The fig leaf over Mark Twain's books

    30 min

  2. 05/15/2023

    Craft Series: Writing Mysteries

    This episode is part of a series on the craft of writing, recorded in partnership with Kaylie Jones Books. This week we spoke with Laurie Loewenstein, the author of (most recently) "Funeral Train" as well as earlier novels "Unmentionables" and "Death of a Rainmaker."  Laurie shares her experience and wisdom when it comes to writing a mystery novel: the pitfalls, considerations and challenges of revising a long-form work of mystery. She also stuck around to answer some rapid fire questions at the end of this interview.  Links: Laurie's website Funeral Train Death of a Rainmaker Unmentionables Kaylie Jones Books

    41 min

  3. 05/01/2023

    Craft Series: Historical Fiction

    This episode is another in a series on craft in partnership with Kaylie Jones Books. In this "Craft Series" we interview a KJB writer in a discussion that centers on one particular aspect of the craft of writing. From point of view to crafting plot, we break down some of the things writers should consider while working on their projects. This week, Deirdre Sinnott joins the podcast to discuss the multi-faceted challenges of writing historical fiction. Sinnott is the author of "The Third Mrs. Galway," a literary novel of historical fiction that dramatizes the Abolitionist Movement in Utica, New York in the 1830s. She spoke at length about the research process and the ways historical fiction resonates to teach us lessons in the 21st Century.  Stick around for the Rapid Fire questions at the end! And if you wish to see our conversation, a video version of this episode is available on YouTube.  Links: Purchase The Third Mrs. Galway on Amazon The Inkdrop YouTube Channel

    34 min

  4. 04/24/2023

    Craft Series: Point of View

    This episode is part of a mini series I'm conducting in partnership with Kaylie Jones Books. In each episode we'll discuss a specific aspect of the craft of writing. This week, we speak with Kaylie Jones, an author and the founder of Kaylie Jones Books. She is also a former professor of mine at Southampton College's MFA program and was the publisher of my debut novel in 2015. In this episode, Kaylie discusses the nuances and guidelines that govern the proper use of Point of View in fiction.  This audio is also available as a video. Follow my YouTube Channel to see the video version of this conversation.  Links: Information about Kaylie Jones Books

    39 min

  5. 04/17/2023

    Sensitivity Readers

    In this episode I discuss some of the questions I have about sensitivity readers, their purpose, and what potential worries I have connected to art and publishing. I also discussed the recent bowdlerization of Roald Dahl and Agatha Christie's work after sensitivity readers provided feedback to the publishing companies who reserve the rights to reprint their work posthumously.  Here are some links: A Q&A with a Sensitivity Reader Kate Clanchy's experience getting feedback ahead of the (canceled) reprint of her memoir: "Some Kids I Taught, and What They Taught Me" Other thoughts on the revisions to Agatha Christie's novels The official website of "Inclusive Minds"

    50 min

  6. 03/27/2023

    Episode 9. Discussion Series: On Moral Fiction

    This is Episode 9 and the final episode of my discussion of John Gardner's often overlooked, but important and timely treatise "On Moral Fiction." On Moral Fiction is described in its reprinted jacket copy as "a genuine classic of literary criticism, On Moral Fiction argues that "true art" is, by its nature, moral." The book is divided into two parts. Part one is called "Premises on Art and Morality," and part two is called "Principals of Art and Criticism."  The book was published in 1979, but contains wisdom that still applies to today. In this 9-part series, I analyze the book chapter by chapter and offer my 2 cents worth of analysis.  A potentially helpful series for college students and aspiring writers. If you're visiting this series for the first time, go back and listen to Episode 1, as each episode builds upon the ideas of the previous. Notes: Link to John Gardner's book on Amazon. It's Time To Finally Retire The Myth of The Tortured Artist

    41 min
  7. Episode 8. Discussion Series: On Moral Fiction

    03/20/2023

    Episode 8. Discussion Series: On Moral Fiction

    This is Episode 8 of a 9-episode discussion of John Gardner's often overlooked, but important and timely treatise "On Moral Fiction." On Moral Fiction is described in its reprinted jacket copy as "a genuine classic of literary criticism, On Moral Fiction argues that "true art" is, by its nature, moral." The book is divided into two parts. Part one is called "Premises on Art and Morality," and part two is called "Principals of Art and Criticism."  The book was published in 1979, but contains wisdom that still applies to today. In this 9-part series, I analyze the book chapter by chapter and offer my 2 cents worth of analysis.  A potentially helpful series for college students and aspiring writers. If you're visiting this series for the first time, go back and listen to Episode 1, as each episode builds upon the ideas of the previous. Notes: Link to John Gardner's book on Amazon.

    32 min

  8. 03/13/2023

    Episode 7. Discussion Series: On Moral Fiction

    This is Episode 7 of a 9-episode discussion of John Gardner's often overlooked, but important and timely treatise "On Moral Fiction." On Moral Fiction is described in its reprinted jacket copy as "a genuine classic of literary criticism, On Moral Fiction argues that "true art" is, by its nature, moral." The book is divided into two parts. Part one is called "Premises on Art and Morality," and part two is called "Principals of Art and Criticism."  The book was published in 1979, but contains wisdom that still applies to today. In this 9-part series, I analyze the book chapter by chapter and offer my 2 cents worth of analysis.  A potentially helpful series for college students and aspiring writers. If you're visiting this series for the first time, go back and listen to Episode 1, as each episode builds upon the ideas of the previous. Notes: Link to John Gardner's book on Amazon.

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Writers who don't always talk about writing.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew McGevna
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2023
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Inkdrop