A Novel Idea

Barbara Quick with Vivaldi's Virgins and A Golden Web.

Pat Nolan hosts a special edition of A Novel Idea showcasing punk-poet Jeffrey Miller. 28 years after his death, a tribute was held at Pegasus Theater on July 29th. Authors Andrei Petrescu, Pat Nolan, Gail King, Mike Tuggle, Jerry Rosen, David Bromwich and others read excerpts from Miller's works.

In her latest book, Unmaking War, Remaking Men, local writer Kathleen Barry introduces the compelling proposition: "How Empathy Can Reshape Our Politics, Our Soldiers and Ourselves." Barry challenges the presumption that war is inevitable, and explores what would it take to unmake war.

Kathleen Barry is Professor Emerita of Penn State University.

A Novel Idea host Rosemary Manchester and Carol Sklenicka converse about Raymond Carver. Carol Sklenicka is the author of his biography - Raymond Carver: A Writer’s Life.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jack London State Park, A Novel Idea brings you an encore presentation with host Rosemary Manchester and Jonah Raskin in conversation about Jack London.

Anchee Min is widely celebrated for her historical novels, to which she brings her personal experiences in China during the turbulent days of the Cultural Revolution. At age 17 Min was sent to a labor camp near East China Sea, where she endured mental and physical hardships and suffered a severe spinal cord injury. In 1984 she came to America, and within six months, taught herself English by watching television. She began to write and publish, eager to correct historical accounts which she knew were incorrect.

While Twain is best known for his novels of life on the Mississippi River, these are only a small part of his lifetime of work. A Novel Idea presents some of Twain's earlier work, in California.

Rosemary Manchester interviews Lisa See, and gives listeners an opportunity to hear her discuss her work.

Lisa See, a particular favorite of California audiences and author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Peony in Love, has recently published a new novel, Shanghai Girls.

Redwood Writers, the local branch of the California Writers Club, includes many of the emerging writers in the area. The organization, open to all writers, meets monthly and sponsors workshops, conferences, writing classes and seminars. In addition, writers are encouraged to seek ways to publish and market their work. Host Rosemary Manchester talks with members of the Redwood Writers about their writing and discusses their published work.

Rosemary Manchester and Michele Anna Jordan discuss Thomas Hardy, focusing on The Return of the Native and other works.