As a writer trying to press into the next stage of my career, how can I emphasize in my publishing history that "small press" isn't always a euphemism for "vanity press"? [more inside]
posted by 256 on Nov 11, 2009 - 17 answers

What are the great patterning works of literature? In Book by Book, Michael Dirda presents a list of what he calls “patterning works” which he describes as books that “. . later authors regularly build on, allude to, work against.” and which he says “ . . . ought to lie at the heart of any structured reading program.” [more inside]
posted by jason's_planet on Sep 17, 2009 - 73 answers

Is the use of meronym and synecdoche the same thing? If not, please illustrate. I am confused.
posted by whimsicalnymph on Aug 30, 2009 - 12 answers

What's the best literary equivalent of Alien/Aliens? [more inside]
posted by fearfulsymmetry on Aug 9, 2009 - 21 answers

I need famous drinks from famous books. Kind of like how Holden Caulfield always drank Tom Collinses in Catcher in the Rye. Or how the Famous Five always had Tea with their scones. Thanks!
posted by Sully on Jul 14, 2009 - 46 answers

I just finished John Fowles, The Collector, and I need it's opposite. Spoiler inside. [more inside]
posted by duckus on May 5, 2009 - 18 answers

Really cool freeware word games? [more inside]
posted by watercarrier on Feb 3, 2009 - 4 answers

Can the hive mind help me by suggesting some good, but simple, literary costume ideas for halloween? [more inside]
posted by anoirmarie on Oct 30, 2008 - 29 answers

Deep breath: I am the online editor for a New York college's undergraduate literary journal's blog, and a complete beginner. I'm wondering about increasing net-presence, keeping the site timely, and making it vibrant. Very open to ideas. Hive mind? [more inside]
posted by omnigut on Oct 8, 2008 - 6 answers

The phenomenology / ontology of text: has anyone examined this issue directly in philosophical, literary and/or critical terms? [more inside]
posted by 0bvious on Sep 18, 2008 - 26 answers

What are your favourite pieces of creative nonfiction? [more inside]
posted by ageispolis on Sep 14, 2008 - 34 answers

Can you recommend a literary agent or attorney? I'm in the US. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 13, 2008 - 4 answers

What one book will allow others to gain the truest insight into the soul of each city or region [more inside]
posted by reenum on May 6, 2008 - 16 answers

Question about obscure science fiction short story, "Allegory," by William T. Powers, which was reprinted in Groff Conklin's 13 GREAT STORIES OF SCIENCE FICTION. The question is: what is this story an allegory of? To put it another way, is there some real-world or historical event that this story is a comment on? [more inside]
posted by Mr. Justice on Apr 29, 2008 - 8 answers

Help me create a literary tour of both Aix-en-Provence and Paris. [more inside]
posted by annabellee on Apr 21, 2008 - 4 answers

An agent is interested in my book but says that they only have an "optional" contract- authors can sign it or not, given their preference. Should I give them my book? [more inside]
posted by arnicae on Apr 13, 2008 - 15 answers

Years ago when I took a classical mythology course, my professor used a literary term for a being who can travel between planes of being at will. [more inside]
posted by miss-lapin on Apr 10, 2008 - 8 answers

I need poetry related anecdotes. [more inside]
posted by lucia__is__dada on Mar 26, 2008 - 13 answers

Please help me reference a literary quote? [more inside]
posted by daveyt on Mar 4, 2008 - 6 answers

I need me some literary adventure stories! Yeehar! [more inside]
posted by ClanvidHorse on Nov 19, 2007 - 27 answers

[Literary archetype filter] I'm looking for short moral tales / folk stories / fables with themes of selfishness and pig-headedness. Specifically, I need stories about somebody who focuses so intently on X that they don't realize they're alone and screwed until too late. [more inside]
posted by mr. remy on Aug 9, 2007 - 14 answers

Who are some literary figures who either 1) had a knack for words or 2) who analyzed other people's words?
posted by Java_Man on Aug 7, 2007 - 24 answers

I need to read something in Spanish. I want excellent writing, with involving plots, and it must be in print. Good detective fiction perhaps? [more inside]
posted by andrew cooke on Aug 6, 2007 - 22 answers

So a common subplot in a lot of movies is that the protagonist has a dull life and suddenly a romantic partner sweeps in and changes EVERYTHING. It spans genres from The Mask to Stranger Than Fiction (and of course the romantic comedy / chick flick industry would go broke without it.) I guess Cinderalla is the archetypal story here. I'm sort of curious about what larger connections there are to this thematic convention—like has anyone written about it, maybe focused more on Cinderalla and gender studies or psychology etc. [more inside]
posted by Firas on Jul 13, 2007 - 8 answers

When an olive is missing it's pimento, some famous literary person (possibly Dorothy Parker) said that a little mischievous creature was responsible. What was the name of this creature?
posted by kuujjuarapik on Apr 17, 2007 - 9 answers

Is there a definitive resource on the web for finding literary agents who represent science fiction and fantasy? [more inside]
posted by JWright on Apr 6, 2007 - 13 answers

I need the perfect quote that relates writing to physical pleasure, titillation, and yes, sex. [more inside]
posted by papier machine on Feb 14, 2007 - 18 answers

Is there a term for being in love with the concept of love? [more inside]
posted by mckenney on Jan 19, 2007 - 13 answers

I am hosting a literary drinking game party tomorrow night and I need author-themed drinks! Can you suggest some? [more inside]
posted by jmprice on Jan 4, 2007 - 24 answers

What do you like about your literary agent? [more inside]
posted by clairezulkey on Sep 12, 2006 - 9 answers

Audiobooks: My Audible wish list is empty -- help me fill it with compelling, commute-friendly nonfiction and literary fiction. [more inside]
posted by kmel on Mar 16, 2006 - 24 answers

Should I send my book proposal manuscript to a literary agent who is advertising for submissions on Craigslist? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 27, 2005 - 7 answers

I constantly hear about the Western Literary Canon, but I can never find a copy of it. Is it because there isn't just one canon, but many, written by many people, over many time periods? If so, wouldn't I hear references to Literary Canons instead of THE Literary Canon? [more inside]
posted by jessicool on Feb 21, 2005 - 71 answers