Examines the workings of an insistent political logic in Ralph Ellison's novel. Traces the novelistic operations, specifically the uses of symbolism, that allow Ellison to substitute rhetoric for reference, myth for history. Tests out some of the generalizing claims about Communism this technique enables Ellison to make. Argues that he chose…

Uses multiple typefaces to express multiple voices that call into question the conventional wisdom about collaboration and collaborative writing. Presents vignettes. Discusses "indefinite definitions," multivalent texts/ambivalent authors, collaboration and community, collaboration and identity, and collaboration qua textuality. (RS)

Considers the importance of vocabulary to writers (the author is one), to teachers (the author was one), and teenagers. Reminds us that literacy and abundant vocabulary are important for practical as well as aesthetic reasons: survival regularly depends upon communicating with strangers. Suggests ways in which teachers can improve their students'…

Represents an autobiographical essay of Virgil Suarez's life, his migration to the United States, and the mentors who have led him to his life's work as a writer. (GR)

Discusses William Zinsser, a former newspaperman and current essayist and teacher, who has spend decades encouraging people to write "warmly and clearly." Writing is a craft, a necessary skill for professional advancement, but not a mysterious form of artistry, he strongly believes. (EV)

Reports findings from a study of the geographical distribution of foreign authors in the "Journal of American Society for Information Science and Technology"(JASIST) and "Journal of Documentation". Also identifies the top 10 geographic locations with the highest number of foreign authors and the top 10 most productive foreign authors. (Author/LRW)

Introduces the eight speakers and panelists. (MES)

Draws a composite of the textual features that contribute to the distinct flavor of southern literature, including (1) attention to place; (2) emphasis on memory; (3) concern with the clash of traditional values against modernity; and (4) use of language. Discusses the interplay of these features in each of the five novels of Sue Ellen Bridgers.…

Discusses the use of musical talent and tastes in the characters in the young adult novels of Sue Ellen Bridgers. Notes that Bridgers uses music as allusion, metaphor, and symbol. (RS)

Presents a method of involving children in reading and writing by celebrating the birthdays of authors and illustrators of children's literature. (MG)

Reports on a visit with the children's author Joan Aiken as she talks about her childhood and family. Offers a sampling of recent reviews of Aiken's work. (MG)

Suggests that Chris Crutcher, therapist and author of novels for young adults, views the world as a place where God, if He exists, does not prevent or cause good or bad things to happen to people. Suggests that Crutcher sees the human spirit as the ultimate determinant along with human relationships. (TB)

Provides an index to Robinson, Shaver and Wrightman's "Measures of Personality and Social Psychological Attitudes" (1991) that is designed to supplement the table of contents and facilitate the efficient location of information about a particular instrument. A guide to the index is included. (two references) (EA)

Shares the experiences of children's author Gary Soto interacting with children while visiting schools for Author's Day. (SR)

Discusses writing with Calvin Trillin, journalist, humorist, and writer of fiction and nonfiction. (SR)