Three stories accepted in just over a month, including two in the last three days. Not sure if/when this’ll happen again and thus doing my best to savor the moment.

Last week, my uni was fortunate to host Colson Whitehead as the keynote author for our annual writers conference. He was wonderful—funny, kind, and full of salient wisdom. It was an honor to conduct my first author interview with one of the best.

They are planning to steal this election. Prepare to stop them.

Selections for the film criticism course I’m teaching this semester:

A welcome sight when grading papers these days.

Writers Conference Immerse yourself in the literary world at ASU’s Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton, with engaging panels and presentations, featuring renowned aut...

I first read The Underground Railroad as an MFA student. Then, as a PhD candidate, I saw Colson Whitehead read a chapter from The Nickel Boys. Now, as a professor, I will have the honor of hosting a conversation with him at the ASU Writers Conference in March.

www.angelo.edu/departments/...

“Fading light buttered the ridges until shadows licked them clean and they were lost to fresh nightfall. The birds quieted as the last light darted away. Ree stood and stretched. Twilight dimmed the snow, but icicles overhead held that gleam.” RIP, Daniel Woodrell

I’d be curious to hear what the workout is. I wrestled in college. My teammates and I would do a circuit: dumbbell farmer carries, rice buckets, standing wrist rolls with rope and plate, and then sets on the battle ropes. Was satisfyingly painful.

My comment on Scream, one of my all-time favorites, is a Times Pick: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/22/m...

Last night, I had the pleasure of hearing James Talarico speak and meeting him afterwards. #talaricofortx

Donate to Support Ryan's Fight Against ALS, organized by DONNA BOLLENBACH Support Ryan in his Fight against ALS At just 37 years old, our youngest son… DONNA BOLLENBACH needs your support for Support Ryan's Fight Against ALS

Ryan is a gifted writer and a great guy. Please consider donating if you can.

www.gofundme.com/f/support-ry...

That would be great. We’ll make it happen at some point.

Congrats, Brendan

You know that Twilight Zone episode where the kid has amazing psychic powers and can make people disappear with his mind and the entire town is hostage to him and has to cater to his every whim? That’s us right now.

Donald Trump's approval rating collapses with rural Americans Rural voters have long been a cornerstone of Trump's base, and any slippage in their support could have major implications for future Republican success.

Some expected. Some surprises.

www.newsweek.com/donald-trump...

Can’t wait to read this. Teach the title story every semester, and students always love it.

It’s been humbling to connect with writers, wrestlers, and others who’ve read my Guardian piece. This, however, is surreal. One of my favorite actors, whose art and activism I admire in equal measure. Many thanks to the great @markruffalo.bsky.social for his kind words.

Thank you, Laurence.

Thanks to @mrbullbull.bsky.social for giving this story a home.

Thank you, Laurence!

Thank you ❤️

Thanks for sharing, Alex.

Trump in the Circle: Wrestling and the battle for American masculinity Wrestling is a brutal but beautiful sport. So why are its brightest stars drawn to the US president? The answer lies in marginalization and the need to be seen

I have an essay up at @theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/a...

Many thanks to the editors and to @bklynzo.bsky.social for her help and support.

You, too, David! Hope all is well.

Finally made one of these: www.danielpkennedy.com