Welcome to Litsy!

This is a solid collection of essays about the state of 21st century American fiction, the pros and cons of academic studies in creative writing, the grim reality of the publishing business.

I‘d have still gotten my MFA even if I‘d read this before I applied, but I still kinda wish I‘d read it then.

Also, the Gordon Lish essay is downright skeevy and gross, and I‘d love to read a post-#MeToo take on it.

Interesting. Do you think people on the whole read more shallowly now than they did 20 years ago?

Let‘s do this. 📚

"...the only things you must have to become a writer are the stamina to continue and a Wiley, cagey heart in the face of extremity, failure, and success."

This is why I love George Saunders. Wouldn't it be awesome to have him as your teacher?

TFW you finally decide to go for it and apply to an MFA program in writing. The deadline's not for another two months, but I am already freaking out. But if it wasn't for Litsy and all you great people, I don't think I would have reawakened my love of stories, of books, of writing. So thank you, and yes, you can #blameitonlitsy

This should be required reading for everyone who thinks they want to be a writer.