Stuff about "Laura Hurwitz"!
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The Easy Chair
This week: Mightier Than the Sword is back! Stephanie Spaulding and I discuss our post-teaching summer plans, which for me includes following my agent’s directive and revising two manuscripts. I admit I am daunted, but itching to get started. Stephanie is eager to begin the process of self-publishing her collection of short stories. It’s the perfect moment to discuss a topic of great importance to many aspiring writers, namely, how to best get written work out into the world. Does the traditional publishing route, with an agent, seem like the best fit, or is self-publishing the better option? It’s an enlightening glimpse into the rapidly expanding, increasingly agile world of publishing. Next week: Okay, I blew it. Hannah and Jake were together for their cousin’s wedding this weekend but things were too hectic for them to sit down and talk about dating stuff. Never fear; I have a gorgeously haunting short story for you by a gifted emerging author Deborah Zervas. And please, those with writing questions and/or insights, write to me and Steph at [email protected]. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week on The Easy Chair, I read to you the short story “The Knowers” by Helen Phillips. Imagine a world in which every person can decide to find out the date of their death- but they can’t know the circumstance surrounding it. Would you even want this knowledge? What if you were lovingly, decades-long married to someone who emphatically didn’t want to know to date of your demise? How would you live your life…and face the date of your death when it rolled around? This is a fascinating, beautifully told story about the nature of mortality and marital love. It really got me thinking, and I know it’ll get you thinking, too. This week’s podcast is brought to you by Rothy’s shoes. Rothy’s makes flats for women and girls that are comfortable, stylish, and sustainable- made for life on the go. I just ordered my third pair (indigo gingham- so cool!) Go to www.Rothys.com/chair and order your new favorite flats today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
Today on The Easy Chair, “The Composition,” a short story by Chilean author Antonio Skarmeta. The story begins on one sunny spring day, when Pedro’s thoughts are on getting to school on time for once and scoring a goal in soccer in the afternoon neighborhood soccer game. Then, at the game, Pedro's friend Daniel’s father is arrested by the military junta because he is a leftist. The thing is, Pedro’s parents are leftists, too. When Captain Romo, a government officer, shows up one morning at Pedro’s school and assigns the class compositions intended to reveal parental antifascist political beliefs, with a prize going to the best (most revelatory) composition, Pedro puts his pen to paper. He really, really wants a new soccer ball. This is my kind of snow day: cozy inside and the chance to read this winsome, suspenseful narrative about what happens when the innocence of childhood faces the duplicity of oppression. Tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week on The Easy Chair: It’s another epic episode of Mightier Than the Sword, the advice podcast for writers! Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I welcome returning fellow writer Deborah Zervas, who is poised to launch her blog ( http://muse.deborahzervas.com ). Deborah is a designer and artist as well as talented creative and technical writer and deep thinker, so she is not one to just slap a blog up and hope for the best. When it comes to the process of building a blog, Deb leaves no stone unturned, and in this episode Deb walks us through her method. It’s interesting, informative, and as always when the three of us get together, lively. Join us for this episode dedicated to all things blog. And, as always: any questions or insights, shoot them our way at [email protected]. We mean it when we say we want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week on The Easy Chair, I read the first chapter of my YA novel under consideration (working title, Sisterhood of the Porcelain God). Sophie is 18, a senior in high school, and her life should be poised for takeoff, but the eating disorder that has turned her life upside down since she was 13 makes forward momentum all but impossible. Publicly, she seems to be making progress, but privately, she is still locked in a fight for her life. This is the beginning of a difficult but important story. 30 million people suffer from eating disorders in the United States, and every 62 minutes, someone dies as a direct result of an eating disorder. Sisterhood is about Sophie’s journey. The road to recovery is marked by daily struggles for survival, and the people you meet along the way. Tune in! Let me know if you like what you’ve heard so far at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week, it’s another Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. In this episode, we discuss perfectionism, procrastination, and how both behaviors are the downfall of many a good writing practice. Steph describes herself as a recovering perfectionist, while I was once an aspiring perfectionist. Procrastination is something we both still wrestle with, or have learned to accept, when it comes to writing and life, but perfectionism must be abandoned in the interest of getting work done. When is enough editing enough? Is it really okay to be minimally, rather than maximally, satisfied? This is an uber-enlightening podcast, helpful not only to the writers out there, but also for anyone who has ever struggled with the fear of not being good enough. Tune in! And any questions, comments, or suggestions, just shoot us an email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week: “The Gift of the Magi” is a classic short story by O Henry. This small gem is generally considered a Christmas story as well as an iconic example of comic irony. I would challenge the limits of these labels. This story about love and sacrifice is relevant for any time of year, and the lessons it imparts are not tied to one faith. While O. Henry certainly uses elements of both comedy and irony, his story tells what it means to love and sacrifice, and champions the notion that what really, really matters in this world can't be bought or sold. This has been a week that could use some tender loving care, and reading this story on the podcast felt, to me, like the most magical gift I could think of for you, my listeners. Enjoy. Questions? Comments? Do you have a short story you’d like to share on the podcast? Write to me at [email protected] . I would love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
Today on The Easy Chair, it’s a very special episode of Mightier Than the Sword. Steph and I recorded this on Steph’s actual 40th birthday. Because it is such a landmark occasion, I agreed to let her surprise me, which meant playing a game that Steph’s been obsessed with of late. Basically, it’s a toned-down philosophical version of “Would You Rather.” Steph poses questions that have us pondering some weighty choices relative to age, mortality, incarceration, and purple feathers vs. pink fur. We also ask you, dear listeners, to belatedly celebrate Steph’s b-day by writing to us with your own Would You Rathers at [email protected]. Any and all submissions will be read on our next podcast. Promise! We want to hear from you. And as Steph says, keep it clean. Today’s episode is brought to you by RXBAR. If you haven’t tried these protein-packed energy bars, made from authentic ingredients like egg whites, nuts, organic cocoa and dates, you don’t know what you’re missing. RXBAR calls BS on non-transparency and unnecessary additives and the result is uniquely delicious. For 25% off your first order, visit rxbar.com/chair and enter promo code CHAIR at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week on the podcast, I read my short story, “Orientation”. One memory that stands out for virtually everyone who has experienced going away to college is meeting your freshman year roommate for the first time. Jennifer, a sensitive, determinedly optimistic eighteen year old with a deep need to be liked, has never met anyone quite like Mara- cynical, straight-talking, self-protective – a person whose motto is me first, and when it comes to the feelings and perceptions of others, she doesn't seem to care. Their dorm room is small, but maybe, just maybe, there's room for growth- and compromise. There's a lot to unpack in this story, from an awkward gynecological self-examination (!?) to an equally awkward college mixer. This is a story you won't want to miss. This week’s sponsor is Ritual, the two vitamins taken one daily that supply vital nutrients that many women lack. I swear by my Ritual- it’s 100% transparent and builds a healthy foundation from the inside out. Start your ritual today by going to www.ritual.com/EASYCHAIR! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week’s episode: “Learning to Dress My Mother” by Australian writer Rosemary Jones. Rosemary has written a moving micro-memoir about the shift in roles between her mother- a former word-loving historian, now an octogenarian with Alzheimer’s- and her. Guaranteed, tears will mix with laughter as Rosemary recounts the assumption of her new role: handmaiden. She wasn’t raised to be one. Unless, perhaps, she was. Next week, it’s Shoulda Swiped Left Episode 17! Hannah and Jake came home for the holidays where they got a chance to really catch up on any number of things, from relationship status to real estate investment. Stuff is happening. It’s a great, high-energy episode. If you have a dating story, send it along to [email protected] with Shoulda Swiped Left in the subject line, and we will happily share it (anonymously, of course!). If it’s writing advice you seek from me and Stephanie Spaulding, just put Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week on The Easy Chair, I read a classic short story, which is a tribute to storytelling. “The Open Window” (by Saki, c. 1914) is about Framton Nuttel, a gentleman seeking a place to stay so he can regain his health, which has been compromised by a number of things, including frayed and fragile nerves. Enter Vera, the very creative niece of Mrs. Sappleton, whose home Mr. Nuttel might like to take a room in. Apparently a terrible tragedy has taken place. Apparently there’s something not quite right about the open window. It’s a small gem of a tale that I’d never read before, but come to find out it is a short story favorite of many. Many people argue the moral of this parable, but I’m not sure there is one. No matter. It’s simply delightful. Tune in! This week’s episode is brought to you by Ritual, the obsessively researched vitamin for women, by women. It’s got nine of the essential nutrients you might not be getting enough of, even with a balanced diet. I start every day off with two Ritual vitamins, and it’s made a discernible difference in the way I feel. For my listeners: you get 10% off your first three months by going to ritual.com/EASYCHAIR. Start your Ritual today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week, it’s Mightier Than the Sword. Co-host Steph Spaulding and I show by example the leap of faith and specific intentions of editing in general, and peer editing in particular. We have swapped manuscripts for editing purposes, with different editorial goals for our work, and we walk you through the process of editing. Aspiring writers and editors, pay attention! Speaking of editing, in editing this podcast, I realize how insecure I sound. I think many of you out there will empathize with my plight- seeking editorial help and constructive criticism, but also deathly afraid to actually receive it. Our next Mightier Than the Sword is the follow-up to what happened with this foray into peer editing. It’s an honest look at a sensitive subject, but just so you know- Steph and I remain the best of friends. Writers with questions/suggestions, daters with stories/insights, email us at [email protected] with the appropriate podcast (here’s a thought-use acronyms!- MTTS or SSL) in the subject line. Hannah and Jake and Steph and I want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
This week marks the return of "Mightier Than the Sword," the advice podcast for writers. Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I field a great question from Eric, an astrophysicist/aspiring writer Stephanie met recently. Something is holding Eric back from taking the writing plunge: he finds the challenges of character development and believable dialog intimidating. Stephanie and I reveal our personal go-to strategies for creating believable characters who use authentic dialog, some orthodox, some decidedly less so. Some might be a little freaked out about a few of our borderline stalker methods, but that’s okay. Just like love and war, when it comes to writing, we figure all’s fair. Tune in! Next week: it’s a short story. I’m not sure what it will be about or even where it’s coming from, but I have no doubt you’ll love it. And please, keep those writing questions coming. Email me and Steph at [email protected] with “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. On-line daters with stories to tell me and Hannah, same email address, but “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. We ALL look forward to hearing from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
It’s Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! Today we talk about one big writerly conundrum: when to abandon a writing project, when to push through and finish it, and when to put it on the back burner. We offer useful strategy and compassionate empathy to those writers out there who have ever questioned the worth of their work, which is to say every writer ever. We also discuss some tangential stuff, like the particular cruelty of summer viruses, the nightmarish start to every school year, and what fall is good for (I say apples). Tune in for this informative, frank, and funny discussion. And writers out there: we want to hear from you! Questions? Insights? Email us at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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The Easy Chair
It’s a lively return to Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding! We talk about waiting for Hurricane Florence to hit the east coast, and how natural disaster is fodder for the 24 hour news cycle. By the time this podcast is out, the storm will be over, and our speculation about its impact will be either confirmed or proven wrong. Then, it’s time for what I’ve been wanting to do with Steph all week: play one more round of Would You Rather. One question relates to writing, the other relates to time travel and indoor plumbing. Intriguing, no? And please, if you have a would you rather, or a question, or a comment, or anything at all you’d like to say to me and Steph, write to us at [email protected]. We mean it when we say we want to hear from you! This week’s podcast is brought to you by the company that makes the most luxurious, comfortable sheets, pillowcases, and comforters- Brooklinen! Since Brooklinen came into my life,I don’t want to leave my bed in the morning, and I can wait to tuck in every night. Here’s an exclusive offer for my podcast listeners: get 20% off and free shipping when you go to Brooklinen.com and enter promo code chair. What are you waiting for? These are THE BEST SHEETS EVER. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.