Books

My essays, articles and reviews appear in these volumes.

The Practical Writer: From Inspiration to Publication

The Practical Writer: From Inspiration to Publication (Penguin, 2004) — This was compiled by the editors of Poets & Writers magazine as a compendium of advice for writers and ruminations on the writing life. My piece, On Essays, Literature’s Most Misunderstood Form, originally appeared in the magazine in 2001.

To purchase The Practical Writer, click here.

To read On Essays, click here.

To purchase On Essays for publication, click here.

Here are some reviews of The Practical Writer:

“An essential item for every writer, packed with information, gossip, and everything you want and need to know” —A. M. Homes, author of The Safety of Objects

“The Practical Writer is a superb companion for the writing life, gathering together in one volume the best possible guidance for writers. Loaded with down-to-earth advice and insights, it covers just about everything from the mystery of the creative act to the mystery of publication” —Sue Monk Kidd, author of The Secret Life of Bees

“Think of The Practical Writer as a five-star writers’ conference, minus the salad bar and the steep enrollment fee. It anticipates and serves the needs of the beginner, the scribe just entering the publishing maze, and the seasoned veteran of the printed word. Along with sound advice on the craft and business of writing, it has helpful appendices that give poets and prose writers leads on grants, resources, and safe harbors. The Practical Writer is solid, serviceable, and valuable—a treasure trove.” —Wally Lamb, author of She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True

“The information and insights here will help you win a writer’s best rewards. And because the book comes from Poets & Writers, you can rely on it for good reading as well as valuable advice.” —Judith Appelbaum, author of How to Get Happily Published and managing director of Sensible Solutions, Inc.

“It’s a gem of a guide! The advice it offers is wise and realistic. I wish it had been around when I began my writing career.” —Susan Isaacs, author of Shining Through and Long Time No See

“An ‘up periscope’ onto the myriad aspects of the writers’ world, The Practical Writer will prove an essential addition to any writer’s library. A wonderful companion in the trenches, for pro and tyro alike.” —Janet Fitch, author of White Oleander

Time Out New Orleans

Time Out New Orleans (Penguin, 2004) — I was a consultant editor for the 3rd edition of this guide, which was one of the most enjoyable jobs I’ve ever done. I’m happy to say that this is the definitive guide to New Orleans, and by far the snarkiest. In addition to the food chapter, I also wrote the literary chapter and the Uptown bar reviews.

To purchase Time Out New Orleans, click here.

Criminal Justice in Louisiana

Criminal Justice in Louisiana, Fourth Edition (University of Louisiana Lafayette Press, 2002) — I include this here because it considerably amuses me to think that I might be required reading for law students. The piece included here, Defensive Starters, was originally written as a cover story for New Orleans Magazine.

To read Defensive Starters, click here.

Dictionary of Literary Biography

Dictionary of Literary Biography Vol. 218: American Short-Story Writers Since World War II Second Series (Gale, 2000) — I contributed essays on authors Janet Kauffman and Lynne Sharon Schwartz for this volume. They were written during graduate school, when I still entertained the notion of being an English professor. I’m feeling much better now.

Copies of the DLB are available at most college libraries.