Hala Alyan and Hilma Wolitzer

“One cannot be picky about love. She learns against her father’s shoulder. What will it help to speak now? What will it save? She turns her closed mouth against his sleeve. He’s her father. The only one she has.”

Hala Alyan, The Arsonists’ City

Dear Writers,

Happy October! The weather has been gorgeous here in New York City and we hope it is wherever you are too. The leaves are turning in Central Park, the wildflowers are blooming and the reservoir is shining. Fresh air and exercise stimulate creativity so bring your notebook or your phone and write as you amble. We’re thrilled to be continuing our monthly series, Writers @ Work, where we talk to writers about their writing processes and books they love. Check out our fourth Q&A with Hala Alyan, author of The Arsonists’ City.

Juicy Reads: A special list of essays, stories and books that will keep you happily absorbed and hopefully set you up to write your own great work. For more, check out our Reading Recommendations on our website. 

Hala Alyan, The Arsonists’ City: An Excerpt (fiction)

Hala Alyan, Spoiler (poem)

Deborah Copaken, Three Rules for Middle-Aged Happiness (non-fiction)

Robert Kolker, Who is the Bad Art Friend? (non-fiction)

Hang Ong, The Monkey Who Speaks (fiction)

Hilma Wolitzer, The Great Escape (fiction)

When Covid Hit the Wolitzers, Meg and Hilma Bonded Creating a Book. Let Them Tell You About it. 

Hilma Wolitzer On Writing The Short Story That Helped Her Process Her Husband's Death