Every day Poets & Writers Magazine scans the headlines—from publishing reports to academic announcements to literary dispatches—for all the news that creative writers need to know. Here are today's stories:
Yesterday, President Barack Obama announced an initiative to make more than $250 million worth of e-books available to low-income students for free. As part of the effort, the New York Public Library is developing an e-reader app for students ages four to eighteen that will provide free access to books from major publishers including HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and others. (Whitehouse.gov)
“You can debate the principle of the freedom of speech. You can argue in a very harsh way. That’s wonderful. But arguing is of a different nature than killing people for little guys in a cartoon.” At the New York Times, Charlie Hebdo film critic Jean-Baptiste Thoret talks about the publication’s reputation and the recent controversy regarding PEN America’s decision to honor the magazine with its Freedom of Expression Courage Award.
Instead of delivering the traditional closing lecture at his retirement ceremony yesterday, United States poet laureate Charles Wright concluded his term with a public discussion with former poet laureate Charles Simic. The conversation took place at the Library of Congress and was hosted by Poetry editor Don Share. (Washington Post)
The estate of Nobel Prize–winning author Doris Lessing has appointed historian Patrick French to write Lessing’s biography. Although Lessing—who passed away in 2013—stated in her will that she wanted Michael Holroyd to write it, Holroyd stepped down from the task last year, explaining that at age eighty, he was “too old” to undertake the massive project. (Bookseller)
The Association of American Publishers announced that this year’s “Get Caught Reading” campaign—its annual, nationwide initiative encouraging reading for pleasure—will focus on comic books and graphic novels. (GalleyCat)
IM Global Television Studio revealed its plan to adapt Kurt Vonnegut’s 1963 novel Cat’s Cradle as a television series. The studio is currently looking for a writer to aid in the project’s development. (Entertainment Weekly)
Don’t forget to visit a local, independent bookstore tomorrow to celebrate the first national Independent Bookstore Day! Four hundred bookstores across the country will host book giveaways, author events, and more.
