Argentina's literary culture is taking steps to stay alive.Great short Q&A with inimitable Borges:"How do you distinguish the literary from the philosophical means in that story? Could you explain that? Borges: Oh, well, yes, I’ll explain very easily…. Encyclopedias have…
Richard Bausch lays out the case against using writing manuals to develop your craft.Laura Miller admonishes the blank slate fantasy character and explores the origin of the term "Mary Sue".For “fuzzed speech” and bees that don’t sting, read this poem.Lollipop…
Here at Potomac Review we are going to be all around Maryland this coming May. If you go to any of these events, make sure you stop by and say hello.May 8- Baltimore's Literary CabaretMay 15- Gaithersburg Book FestivalMay 22-…
In case you ever need to say these hard-to-pronounce writers' names; here's a list of pronunciations.Any article on poetry is a good article on poetry, I guess you can say. But this NPR essay and list of books to read…
Although Potomac Review took a breather this year from the hectic booth-sitting that is AWP, our grad intern Amanda decided to attend. Here's her take on the first two days... I've never seen such a condensed population of messenger-bags and…
The New York Times delves into the science of literature. Why do we read fiction? Get past the "Friends" reference at the beginning, and you'll be okay.The quote says it all about this short story:"You’d especially sing along if a…
A possible new feature, the Associate Editor Highlight! Thanks to PR intern Bru for the words. It's not that Potomac Review is narcissistic, but we just want you to know the caliber and type of readers that are reading your…
This is the new PR literary links Hump Day. It's what we as editors, interns, and literary lovers are reading when we're not reading submissions... Check out NPR's three-minute fiction contest, and have your story read on air! Kurt Vonnegut,…
Senior Poetry Editor Katherine Smith continues her review of Jack Gilbert's poetry. For part 1, click here. For part 2, click here. Gilbert’s austere voice underscores his commitment to wonder, to the avoidance of “idle chatter” that tranquillizes as it…
Senior Poetry Editor Katherine Smith continues her review of Jack Gilbert's poetry. For part 1, click here. Gilbert's later books-- in addition to a development of richer imagery than his earlier poems and that same existential awe-- include poems that…