Pen On Fire blog

Elizabeth Strout and Andrew Roe on Writers on Writing

Posted May 28 2017 by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett

Marrie Stone welcomes back Elizabeth Strout to discuss her latest novel in stories, Anything is Possible. Elizabeth talks about how the work grew out of My Name is Lucy Barton, and how she works in the short form.

In the second half, Andrew Roe shares his latest collection of stories, Where You Live. He discusses the importance of place and portraying a California that exists outside the Hollywood industry. Andy also talks about recurring themes and the power of the subconscious in creating stories full of depth and insight.

Both authors deconstruct one of their short stories, from original kernel of an idea, through the revision process, struggles, challenges, and the ultimate end-product.

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(Broadcast date: May 17, 2017)

Memoirist Daphne Merkin on Writers on Writing

Posted May 17 2017 by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett

Memoirist Daphne Merkin, author of This Close to Happy, spends the entire hour on the show talking about her book and the process of writing memoir.

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 (Broadcast date: April 26, 2017)

Pam Jenoff and Eric Puchner on Writers on Writing

Posted May 5 2017 by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett

Pam Jenoff, author of The Orphan’s Tale, joins Marrie Stone to share her thoughts regarding writing about the Holocaust and the responsibilities of sensitively portraying that period of history. She talks about juxtaposing WWII against the backdrop of the circus arts, how being a lawyer serves her writing life, and more.

In the second half, Eric Puchner shares his latest collection, Last Day on Earth. He deconstructs the genesis of one of his stories, shares wisdom about the secret of unlocking a short story, how Ray Bradbury set him upon his life’s path, how he knows a story is finished, and more.

Finally, we are celebrating our Annual KUCI Fund Drive. If you listen to our podcasts, please consider donating to support our show and public radio. We have an array of fun premiums to offer as a thank you (gift certificates, books, CDs, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and more). Call (949) 824-5824 or donate online at www.kuci.org. Please indicate you’re donating for Writers on Writing. We’re all volunteers here and depend on donations to keep the lights on and keep water in the cooler. Any amount helps. We appreciate your support!

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(Broadcast date: May 3, 2017)

KUCI fund drive

Posted May 3 2017 by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett

If you listen to my show, you know the KUCI fund drive is on (till May 12). If you listen and like the show and want to see that it stays on the air, consider donating (any amount will do). Thanks in advance for your support! (Whether you call in at 949 824 5824 or donate online, please indicate that you’re donating for Writers on Writing.)

Jonathan Lethem and Deb Olin Unferth on Writers on Writing

Posted April 21 2017 by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett

Jonathan Lethem, author of More Alive and Less Lonely: On Books and Writers, joins Marrie Stone to talk about the books and writers he loves, his pen-pal relationship with Thomas Berger, the value of misinterpreting an author’s work, some fabulous advice for writers, how to read like a writer, and much much more.

In the second half, Deb Olin Unferth shares her collection, Wait Till You See Me Dance.  She talks about the art of flash fiction, how her experiences in war and prisons influence her writing, but why she never seeks out those experiences to serve her writing, and she deconstructs one of her stories from inception to completion.

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(Broadcast date: April 5, 2017)