Month: February 2016

To Prompt, or Not to Prompt, That is the Question

by Theresa Kurzawa

February 29, 2016

It’s the kind of question you ask yourself, as a writer, when you’re stuck on what to write about. Should you venture into the dangerous and confusing world of Writing Prompts, or should you leave your writing decisions to your own imagination? There are a lot of pros and cons to using Writing Prompts. There… More To Prompt, or Not to Prompt, That is the Question by Theresa Kurzawa

Storytelling with WNPR

by Allison McLellan

February 28, 2016

Storytelling is the original form of entertainment used to pass on legends and histories, and to pass the time. But now we have more stimulating forms of entertainment—Xbox360, Netflix, YouTube, etc. You can’t have a conversation without maybe half of the faces being immersed in a smartphone screen at any given time. For example, my… More Storytelling with WNPR by Allison McLellan

Where did the quotation mark go?

by Steph Koo

February 27, 2016

We are approaching copyediting time at the Long River Review and it has me thinking about grammar, punctuation, and writing style—leading me to this question: Why do some authors do away with the quotation mark in dialogue? Perhaps I am noticing it more as I am reading more “serious literature” for my classes now, versus… More Where did the quotation mark go? by Steph Koo

Very, Very, Very, Very, Very Good: A review of Diane Williams’ new book Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine

By Carleton Whaley

February 24, 2016

“Young farmers and rural characters, obstetrical nurses, scholars, clergy—all the rest!—will have their great hopes realized more often than not—unless I decide to tell their stories.” — from “Head of the Big Man” by Diane Williams As a first time reader of Diane Williams, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The slim volume that arrived… More Very, Very, Very, Very, Very Good: A review of Diane Williams’ new book Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine By Carleton Whaley

GET SLAPPED IN THE FACE BY LITERATURE: A Small Suggestion on How to Start Reading Again

By Therese Masotta

February 23, 2016

“The one you love and the one who loves you are never, ever the same person.” — from Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk I didn’t always like to read. (What?! But you’re an English major!) Yes I am studying English and no, I did not always like to read. It’s okay, it happens to the… More GET SLAPPED IN THE FACE BY LITERATURE: A Small Suggestion on How to Start Reading Again By Therese Masotta

The Graphic Novel: Art and Literature Worthy of Merit

by Theresa Kurzawa

February 23, 2016

When approaching the subject of graphic novels (or more colloquially known as “comic books”), one often infers that their sole purpose is the mindless entertainment of youths with little to no literary or artistic merit. There are many reasons that this stereotype of graphic novels exists, and one of them pertains to the idea that… More The Graphic Novel: Art and Literature Worthy of Merit by Theresa Kurzawa

Saying Goodbye to One of the Greats

by Emily Zimmer

February 22, 2016

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” (Atticus Finch from “To Kill A Mockingbird”) One often tries to escape the memories of their high school experience. The overcrowded hallways filled with fifteen-year-old “soul mates”… More Saying Goodbye to One of the Greats by Emily Zimmer

Why Lang Leav Should Be Your Post Valentine’s Day Read

by Alexandra Cichon

February 16, 2016

If you spent your Valentine’s Day single and lamenting happy couples, fear not, you may still have a chance at romance. And you may find that hope in Lang Leav, bestselling author of three books of poetry, Memories, Love & Misadventure, and Lullabies. Besides winning the 2014 Goodreads Choice award for her poetry, she is… More Why Lang Leav Should Be Your Post Valentine’s Day Read by Alexandra Cichon

On the Banks of the Long River Review: Its Roots and History

by Hattie Wilcox

February 14, 2016

Will you find a treatise on why pancakes matter? The answer to whether or not Diego Rivera actually had a certificate from his doctor stating he was physically incapable of fidelity? Or the reason why certain Russians have been known to sport watermelon bowl hats and pose for photos in nothing but their underwear and… More On the Banks of the Long River Review: Its Roots and History by Hattie Wilcox

Tony Hoagland’s Poems are Tools for Contemporary America by Christopher McDermott

February 13, 2016

“We just want to be manipulated with a little fucking consideration” —Tony Hoagland from Application for Release from the Dream Tony Hoagland’s poetry doesn’t mince words but it will proudly mince people and ideas. He can be funny and saddening, often in the same line. His fifth collection, Application for Release from the Dream, is… More Tony Hoagland’s Poems are Tools for Contemporary America by Christopher McDermott