Authors, Developing Words – Chris Ward, Part 1

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers. The interview was conducted by Miriam Ruff on June 27, 2019, and it is divided into two parts. It has been lightly edited for length and clarity.] MR: Welcome to the … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – Chris Ward, Part 1”


Authors, Developing Words – Philippa Gregory

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers.] Born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1954, Philippa Gregory later moved to Bristol, England. She has been publishing historical fiction since 1987, most especially stories set within England’s Tudor period. Her best-known … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – Philippa Gregory”


Authors, Developing Words – Octavia Butler

[Editor’s note: This post is part of a continuing series on how writers craft words to express their ideas and to connect with readers.] It’s “Jeopardy!” time. The answer is: “She was one of the few female African American science fiction writers, one who won multiple Hugo and Nebula awards for her work, and one … Continue reading “Authors, Developing Words – Octavia Butler”


The History of Writing and Reading – Part 16: Printing and its Effect on the World (Part 3 of 3)

[Editor’s note: This is the seventeenth of an ongoing series that examines the rise of writing – and therefore reading – around the world. It is also the third of a three-part discussion of the rise of printing and its effect on various civilizations. Links to all the previous posts are listed at the end … Continue reading “The History of Writing and Reading – Part 16: Printing and its Effect on the World (Part 3 of 3)”


The History of Writing and Reading – Part 15: Printing and the Spread of Writing (Part 2 of 3)

[Editor’s note: This is the sixteenth of an ongoing series that examines the rise of writing – and therefore reading – around the world. It is also the second of a three-part discussion of the rise of printing and its effect on various civilizations. Links to all the previous posts are listed at the end … Continue reading “The History of Writing and Reading – Part 15: Printing and the Spread of Writing (Part 2 of 3)”


The History of Writing and Reading – Part 14: Printing and the Spread of Writing (Part 1 of 3)

[Editor’s note: This is the fifteenth of an ongoing series that examines the rise of writing – and therefore reading – around the world. It is also the first of a three-part discussion of the rise of printing and its effect on various civilizations. Links to all the previous posts are listed at the end … Continue reading “The History of Writing and Reading – Part 14: Printing and the Spread of Writing (Part 1 of 3)”


Thankful for Books (and Movies)

Thanksgiving is  a wonderful opportunity to be with family, cozy up with a good book, and watch a bunch of movies. This past Sunday, The Washington Post came out with a list of must-see film adaptations of books, some of which are in theaters now and some of which are available streaming on Netflix or … Continue reading “Thankful for Books (and Movies)”


Why Libraries are Irreplaceable

On July 21, 2018, Forbes.com published an op-ed piece by LIU Post economist Panos Mourdoukoutas under the headline “Amazon Should Replace Local Libraries to Save Taxpayers Money.” Don’t try to find the article – Forbes pulled it down shortly after posting it due to the enormous backlash from librarians, educators, and the public as a … Continue reading “Why Libraries are Irreplaceable”


Books and Movie Adaptations – What Does it Take to Get it Right?

What was the latest book you’ve watched? It seems today, more than ever, Hollywood studios are turning stories, comics, and best-selling books into what they hope will be blockbuster movies. Not all books, though, are conducive to becoming movies, and, even if they are, not all adaptations turn out well. What needs to happen to … Continue reading “Books and Movie Adaptations – What Does it Take to Get it Right?”


Interview with Sam Adams – Writer, Poet, and Avid Reader

[Editor’s note: This interview was conducted by Miriam Ruff, and it is the second installment in what will be a series of interviews about the different approaches people take to discover and learn new topics. It was lightly edited for clarity.] MR: We’re talking today with Sam Adams, a reader, writer, poet, and co-founder of … Continue reading “Interview with Sam Adams – Writer, Poet, and Avid Reader”