the muse & the marketplace

Even if we didn't share (part of) a name with this event, we'd be all over it. The dynamite lineup for Grub Street's 9th annual Muse & the Marketplace conference includes Elizabeth Strout, Lauren Grodstein, Benjamin Percy, Steve Almond, Chuck Palahniuk, Anita Shreve, and so many more--including a stellar array of agents and editors available to consult with as part of the sixth annual Manuscript Mart.

Allow us to put a special plug in for our friend Celeste Ng's "Essentials of Craft" session on Point of View. Goodness knows our own novel could use a little help in this arena, and we'd love to know what this smart, savvy writer has to say about POV.  

Boston-dwellers, hightail it over to Grub Street's registration page and sign up now! 

Additional details from Grub Street:

The Muse and the Marketplace is a two-day symposium designed to give aspiring writers a better understanding about the craft of writing fiction and non-fiction, inside information about the world of publishing, and thoughtful networking opportunities. Both days, prominent nationally-recognized authors lead craft seminars on various topics, and editors, agents and publicists lead sessions on the business aspects of creative writing. We also offer the fifth annual Manuscript Mart, where, for an additional fee, attendees meet one-on-one with an established literary agent or editor who has read their work in advance and will provide direct feedback.

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Many participating authors, editors and agents have generously donated their time so that all proceeds from The Muse and the Marketplace can be used to help fund Grub Street, Boston's only non-profit independent writing center.

Link List

We're back from a blogging vacation with some links for your enjoyment:

• The Guardian's book coverage won't quit. They're currently featuring an amazing round-up of Ten Rules for Writing Fiction culled from writers like Zadie Smith, Sarah Waters, Will Self, and Jonathan Franzen. The article is split into two parts--be sure to check them both out. Helen Simpson offers just one rule: The nearest I have to a rule is a Post-it on the wall in front of my desk saying "Faire et se taire" (Flaubert), which I translate for myself as "Shut up and get on with it."  
• Barter Elizabeth asks: How long do you pine for the last book before jumping in bed with the next? 
• We like the new covers in the "Penguin Inks" series (badass version of Bridget Jones pictured). Do you feel compelled to buy a new copy of a book you already own if you love the updated cover?
• Are you on Twitter? If so, do yourself a favor and follow @ColsonWhitehead. You'll thank us later, through your laughter. 

[Recommended] Love in the Making

Valentine's Day may be over, but love is still in the air!  Roisin Meany, two-time La Muse attendee, has a new novel out, and it's already a bestseller in Ireland. We can't wait to get our hands on Love in the Making, and urge you to pick up a copy as well.