Devoted to publishing, publishers and to those who craft the written word

In many ways, it is a beautiful time to be a writer. 

Over at The Millions, author Buzz Poole (check out his book blog, Madonna of the Toast) just wrote an essay-long ode to the Institute for the Future of the Book. His final paragraphs offer a tantalizing look at how a truly networked book will work:

"You would be able to read the 1969 interview with Marshall McLuhan from Playboy; River of Shadows by Rebecca Solnit, Proust and Steinbeck's often overlooked In Dubious Battle; an article about James Joyce's cantankerous grandson and the ethics of copyright abuse. And as you read, you'd listen to Jeremiah Lockwood, Broken Social Scene, Amalia Rodrigues, hell, I could dump my entire music library into this thing and you could ride the shuffle the same as me. ... All of these media have influenced this piece."

In other ways, it is a hard time to be a writer. Just like the small publisher McSweeney's, Soft Skull Press has launched a big book sale--both companies are reeling from the distribution disaster of the AMS bankruptcy. Support your friendly neighborhood publisher of great writers, and keep people like Nick Mamatas in business.

Ever read William S. Burroughs hallucinogenic novel, Naked Lunch?  If so, cultural critic Davis Schneiderman wants to talk to you. He runs the Now What blog with our new friend Lance Olsen, and he's looking for ideas for an essay about how our generation looks at Burroughs book.

Publishing Spotted collects the best of what's around on writing blogs on any given day. Feel free to send tips and suggestions to your fearless editor: jason [at] thepublishingspot.com.