How to use this Page

Freelancing is tough business, and every writer has set his or her boundaries. Would you write a quiz for Seventeen? Would you write for TV Guide?

I'll admit my quiz-making skills are lacking, but if you want to write quizzes that ask quantifiable questions like "What Kind of Lover Are You?" then Inkthinker has your back with this quiz-making primer.

Ever considered translating a novel? Scott Esposito from Coversational Reading has a sweet interview with the translator of Roberto Bolano's stunning novel, The Savage Detectives. Even though it's only June, I can tell you that book was one of the Top Five Novels I Have Read This Year.

Finally, you should ponder Nick Antosca's essay subtitled "On the Writing and (eventual) Publication of My First Novel" over the weekend. It's chock full of inspiration and frustrating realities.

Check it out: "When you get a book published, there are two feelings you experience right away and in quick succession: desire to draw attention to your book and fear of the attention that will be paid to your book. I promoted Fires in basic ways — via email, facebook.com, and a blog I’d created for that very purpose — and I did readings at venues like Housing Works bookstore and KGB Bar. Impetus did the rest." 

Publishing Spotted collects the best of what's around on writing blogs on any given day. Feel free to send tips and suggestions to your fearless editor: jason [at] thepublishingspot.com.

Who is Roberto Bolaño, and why should you be reading him?

Earlier this week, Ed Champion observed: "Four people have mentioned The Savage Detective in the past forty-eight hours." I just finished that book--Bolaño's newly translated masterpiece.

It's my first time reading him, and I was sad to discover he died in 2003. The book takes a dark, pulpy look at the evolution of Latin American poetry during the 1970's, featuring plenty of hardboiled action and mind-blowing dream sequences.

It's inspiring. I finished the book in two weeks, and I've been writing like mad every time I close the book. Here's my favorite passage, something to think about for the rest of the weekend. Dig it:

"Do you know what the worst thing about literature is? said Don Pancracio. I knew, but I pretended I didn't. What? I said. That you end up being friends with writers. And friendship, treasure though it may be, destroys your critical sense."

As long as you are visiting Mr. Champion's site, check out his comprehensive Kurt Vonnegut memorial post. I've read almost every novel that Vonnegut wrote, and the best way to remember him is to read some more...