You’ll never want to turn in a library book late again after seeing the spoof video of The Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” featuring crime-fighting librarians.
I’m Tellin’ Y’all It’s Sabotage
What Improv Can Teach You about Writing Humor
Elissa Bassist took an intro improv class and used what she learned to create some rules for writing funny fiction. (Thanks, Rachel)
Travelogue
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Splendid, Vibrant
Recommended Reading: Tolu Ogunlesi on how “Nigeria’s literary scene has burgeoned into this splendid, vibrant space.”
Thoughts on Puff Daddy Etc.
To mark the passing of Lou Reed, BOMB Magazine republished an interview with the musician by Tim Nye. First published in 1998, the interview sees Reed, among other things, taking stock of a Puff Daddy song.
The Return of Agatha Christie
"As much as there is an evergreen fascination for Christie’s stories, there's also an alluring air of mystery surrounding the woman herself." Broadly explores the enduring nature of Agatha Christie's stories, the recent surge in adaptations (including Murder on the Orient Express), and the mysterious 11-day disappearance of the writer herself. From our archives: an essay on the sometimes inherent predictability of the mystery genre.
Begin Now
"You don’t have to immediately quit your job to become a writer. You need only to start writing." The New York Times transcribes an excerpt from the "Dear Sugars" podcast with Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond. For more writerly advice, see our own columnists Swarm & Spark on whether writing a novel will jeopardize your mental health.
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Cher and Cher Alike
Much Ado About Burgers
Exhibit A: Joseph R Worthen’s ongoing series investigating the state of “Fast Food Hamburgers in the Southeastern United States.” (Parts Two and Three, too.) Exhibit B: Blake Butler’s nauseating (yet hypnotic) “Review of the New Wendy's Pretzel Burger.”