On Tuesday I'll be showing a new arrival to New York City around for an hour or so in the late afternoon. He's interested in the city's history, particularly the Bowery/Lower East Side. He has seen all the major tourist stops and I'm completely ignorant of the latest cool/interesting/weird spots downtown and most places have the lifespan of mayflies. Any ideas on how to prepare an awesome, emergency walking tour? [more inside]
posted by The Whelk on Oct 11, 2009 - 12 answers

There is a literary journal currently asking for a $1 "handling fee" to fast-track submitted stories. Is this okay? What really, is the point of asking for a dollar?
posted by uans on Aug 22, 2009 - 20 answers

It's summertime and that means detective stories. I've read ALL of Simenon, Agatha Christie (Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot), Dorothy Sayers, John Sandford, Denise Hamilton, Lee Child, Edward Wright, Henning Mankell. Tried but didn't like Tony Hillerman. Any suggestions for another engaging series? Thanks.
posted by holdenjordahl on Jun 8, 2009 - 63 answers

How do different news media (radio vs. television) end up doing the same news stories? [more inside]
posted by Hanuman1960 on May 6, 2009 - 10 answers

I want a book that I have to put into the freezer. I've read this question, which was looking for thrillers, and this post looking for short stories, but I can't seem to find a thread looking for scary, engrossing novels where supernatural is okay. [more inside]
posted by Addlepated on Mar 31, 2009 - 31 answers

How can I minimize the effects horror stories have on me? [more inside]
posted by Phire on Mar 14, 2009 - 27 answers

I love me some arcs. Please share your favorite TV shows that offer really good story arcs. Leaning towards mystery and sci-fi. I'd prefer shows that feature "factual accuracy" within the context of the show. [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious on Dec 28, 2008 - 75 answers

I'm looking for werewolf literature. Any fiction with a halfway decent plot. Novels, short stories, folklore. Comics or graphic novels also okay. [more inside]
posted by Ritchie on Oct 16, 2008 - 38 answers

Children's Story Filter: Help me find a story about the Apple family. [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy on Dec 11, 2006 - 3 answers