"The First Full Thought of Her Life"
The piece reflects on a poignant quote from the late literary critic Michael Silverblatt, who argued that great novels test the fate of goodness and often depict its defeat. The author connects this idea to contemporary doubts about moral standards in a world perceived as increasingly corrupt. By citing Silverblatt in a discussion hosted by George Saunders, the article underscores a renewed focus on ethical inquiry within fiction. It suggests that literature may serve as a barometer for society’s evolving sense of principle.
A New Story for Us
The latest installment of Story Club spotlights a new short story by Deb Olin Unferth, a former Syracuse University writing cohort member who has built a celebrated literary career. The piece is accompanied by distinctive deer and bear illustrations, adding...
Some Process Stuff on "Vigil"
George Saunders offers the first behind‑the‑scenes, quasi‑technical look at how he crafted his latest novel, Vigil. In a brief Substack post, he outlines the drafting workflow, research methods, and revision cycles that shaped the book. The piece provides concrete examples...
Back to Work!
George Saunders, Pulitzer‑winning author, launched a Story Club inviting readers to dissect his own work. He proposes an experiment that focuses on a lesser‑rated story to uncover the mechanics separating good from great writing. By analyzing a weaker piece, Saunders...