Those of us who were lucky enough to have spent any time with Larry Brown knew that he wasn’t just a prolific and gifted writer of stories and novels; he also wrote the kinds of letters that were so good you’d want to read them over and over and over again. I still have oneContinue reading

There are stories that you can’t put down, and there are those that you can’t wait to put down. The difference? Often, it comes down to tension. What’s pulling the readers through, hurtling them headlong toward the gripping conclusion? If your story isn’t quite grabbing readers, these insights from our editors might shed light onContinue reading

In this high-wire act of derring-do and ersatz dialogue, senior editor Kathy Pories and executive editor Chuck Adams discuss one of the most challenging aspects of craft. Kathy: “Nice weather we’re having. Aren’t you sick of this rain?” Chuck: “I don’t know. I think it’s better than all the heat we usually have. Don’t youContinue reading

        Today we share our third installment in our Ask An Algonquin Editor series. Senior editor Kathy Pories knows that while many readers would never admit it, we often judge a book by its cover. She answers the question, “Why is a paperback jacket often different from its hardcover version?” Kathy shares theContinue reading

STAFF FAVORITES We’ve hand-picked seven titles—four novels, three memoirs—that dazzled, inspired, thrilled, enlightened, and captivated us. Some made us laugh, some made us cry, and some made us do both. We guarantee they’ll do the same for you, too. From March 12-25, you can get any of them for only $1.99. Who knows, maybe they’llContinue reading

The onset of Fall and the approach of Winter can remind you of Robert Frost, of pumpkins, of trips to the mountains to watch the changing leaves. Sweaters. Socks. But for me, it means it’s time to harness all my upper body strength and haul out the Dutch oven. Although a Dutch oven weighs anContinue reading