To Prompt, or Not to Prompt, That is the Question by Theresa Kurzawa LRR, February 29, 2016February 8, 2025 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… Continue Reading
Storytelling with WNPR by Allison McLellan LRR, February 28, 2016February 8, 2025 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… Continue Reading
Where did the quotation mark go? by Steph Koo LRR, February 27, 2016February 8, 2025 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”… Continue Reading
Very, Very, Very, Very, Very Good: A review of Diane Williams’ new book Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine, Fine By Carleton Whaley LRR, February 24, 2016February 8, 2025 “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…. Continue Reading
GET SLAPPED IN THE FACE BY LITERATURE: A Small Suggestion on How to Start Reading Again By Therese Masotta LRR, February 23, 2016February 8, 2025 “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… Continue Reading
The Graphic Novel: Art and Literature Worthy of Merit by Theresa Kurzawa LRR, February 23, 2016February 8, 2025 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… Continue Reading
Saying Goodbye to One of the Greats by Emily Zimmer LRR, February 22, 2016February 8, 2025 “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… Continue Reading
Why Lang Leav Should Be Your Post Valentine’s Day Read by Alexandra Cichon LRR, February 16, 2016February 8, 2025 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… Continue Reading
On the Banks of the Long River Review: Its Roots and History by Hattie Wilcox LRR, February 14, 2016February 8, 2025 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… Continue Reading
Tony Hoagland’s Poems are Tools for Contemporary America by Christopher McDermott LRR, February 13, 2016February 8, 2025 “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… Continue Reading