Author Archives: V-Z

Wendy S. Walters read from her books Multiply/Divide: On the American Real and Surreal (Sarabande) and Troy, Michigan (Futurepoem).  We talk about the blurring of genre in creative nonfiction, about long poems, lyric essays,… Read more: Wendy S Walters

Elizabeth Wason talks about science writing and her work as managing editor for Resources for the Future, a DC think tank. We talk about getting accessible expert insight and… Read more: Elizabeth Wason

Ryan Walsh reads from his book of poems Reckonings (Baobab 2019). We talk about a poem’s responsibility, connecting across time,  and a spelter zinc plant.

Markus Zusak reads from Bridge of Clay (Knopf 2018). We talk about the lives of boys, long projects, structure and redemption.

Summer host Amanda Uhle talks with historian, author, journalist, essayist, and actress Sarah Vowell. Vowell has written seven nonfiction books on American history and culture, was a contributing editor… Read more: Sarah Vowell

Michael Zadoorian reads from his new novel Beautiful Music (Akashic Books 2018).  We talk about his factory-town approach to writing and his strong sense of place; we also talk about his father’s struggle… Read more: Michael Zadoorian

Weike Wang reads from her debut novel Chemistry now out in paperback (Vintage Books 2018). We talk about voice, nontraditional chapters and leaps, writing the second book, dogs and fun facts… Read more: Weike Wang

Guest host Amanda Uhle speaks with Chris Van Allsburg, author/illustrator of 19 books for children and illustrator of three more. Mr. Van Allsburg came to Ann Arbor recently to promote… Read more: Chris Van Allsburg

Stephen M. Ward talks about his book In Love and Struggle: The Revolutionary Lives of James and Grace Lee Boggs out with University of North Carolina Press in their Justice, Power, and Politics series.  We talk about… Read more: Stephen M. Ward

Alexander Weinstein reads from his debut collection of stories Children of the New World published by Picador.  We talk about writing speculative short fiction.  We also talk about rockets, empathy, teaching, and translation.… Read more: Alexander Weinstein

Claire Vaye Watkins reads from her novel Gold Fame Citrus published by Riverhead Books. We’ll talk about invention, faith, the desert, water. http://beanball.wcbn.org/rss/Living_Writers/wcbn-living_writers-2015-09-30-170001-EDT.mp3 Download Audio For more about the… Read more: Claire Vaye Watkins

Cat Warren reads from What the Dog Knows: Scent, Science, and the Amazing Ways Dogs Perceive the World published by Touchstone/Simon & Schuster, Inc. We talk about science journalism… Read more: Cat Warren

From the archive: 2015 Poet Jean Valentine reads from Break the Glass and Shirt In Heaven (Copper Canyon Press). We talk about memory, elegy, music and dreaming. Take heart. http://beanball.wcbn.org/rss/Living_Writers/wcbn-living_writers-2015-04-22-170001-EDT.mp3… Read more: Jean Valentine

Jesse Walker reads from The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory (2013) published by HarperCollins. We talk about things that might make you nervous – and also rebels on… Read more: Jesse Walker

From the archives Alice Walker talks about Zora Neale Hurston, voting, activism, inheritance, offerings,”This Human Journey,” and gardens. http://beanball.wcbn.org/rss/Living_Writers/wcbn-living_writers-2014-11-05-170001-EST.mp3 Download Audio Original air date: November 5, 2014

Franz Wright reads poems from Kindertotenwald (Knopf 2013).  We talk about wearing masks, about the difficult twenties, and about seeing the drawbacks of MFA programs (while still loving scholars and universities). … Read more: Franz Wright

From the archive: 2010 Andre Williams reads from his book Sweets and Other Stories (Kicks Books 2009). You may know Andre, as many do, as “Mr. Rhythm” from his… Read more: Andre Williams

Colson Whitehead reads from his novel Sag Harbor published by Doubleday. We talk about drawing on your own past and using elements of autobiography to frame what ideas you want… Read more: Colson Whitehead

From the archives: 2008 C.D. Wright reads from her book of poems Rising, Falling, Hovering (Copper Canyon Press).  We talk about misery and love, “making it up,” and what it… Read more: C.D. Wright