Culture Crash: Adapting a Book into a Movie: Annihilation (2018)
The new sci-fi adventure movie, Annihilation, is based on a book but the adaptation is looser than what we typically expect.
Literature and Writing Sub-categories:
- Poetry (5)
The Spanish Flu of 1918
Author Susan Meissner discusses with us the Spanish Flu of 1918, how it interacted with World War I, the immense cost of the sickness, and how her novel explores the time in history.
Culture Crash: A Father and Son Duo’s New Creepy Ghost Story (2018)
Authors Richard and Billy Chizmar aren’t just partners, they’re family. Their new horror novella, Widow’s Point, tells the story of a haunted lighthouse. Despite its scary plot, the father and son say writing it was a blast.
The Power of the Written Word (2018)
Scholar Martin Puchner takes us through the history of writing stories down, and how those written accounts have become so important to our understanding of the world.
Culture Crash: The New Era of Science Fiction
There was a time when science fiction stories had to be a part of some established arc or it wouldn’t get made. Now the stand-alone sci-fi is thriving once again.
Making Philosophy Relatable Through Humor
Authors Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein use humor to explain philosophical beliefs from deep thinkers, like Immanuel Kant and John Locke.
Reworking a Classic
Author A.J. Finn talks about his book “The Woman in the Window,” which uses Alfred Hitchcock’s film "Rear Window" as inspiration to tell a story about the anxiety disorder agoraphobia.
The Real History Behind the Evacuation of Dunkirk
In the last year, two movies including Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster have introduced the story of Dunkirk to American audiences. We talk to Michael Korda, a historian and author, who explains some of the real history, including why Hitler and Churchill acted the way they did throughout the ordeal.
Diversity in Sci-Fi (2018)
For decades, science fiction was written almost exclusively by white males. Now, it is flourishing with diverse voices, thanks in part to the trailblazing writer Octavia E. Butler.
The Role of a Literary Editor (2017)
We talk to a literary editor who explains to us what an editor does to get the book from a manuscript to the finished copy on store shelves.
Author Jack London’s Writings and Social Activism
We discover how Jack London’s own journey informed his writing, and how his books reflect the plight of exploited workers and impoverished women and children.
Culture Crash: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and John Green’s “Turtles All The Way Down”
John Green's latest book, Turtles All The Way Down chronicles the life of a teen with OCD. The book offers a great story and pulls back the curtain on a misunderstood mental disorder.
The Appeal of Time Travel Stories (Late 2017)
What is it about time travel stories that draws us in and keeps us compelled all these years later? We talk to pop culture psychologist Dr. Travis Langley.
Mythology and Fairy Tales, Good and Evil
Author Soman Chainani talks about a new entry into the catalogue of mythology and his attempt to course-correct the lessons more modern stories have been teaching our children.
Culture Crash: Reading Non-Fiction
It’s often tempting to stay in the more comfortable waters of fiction novels, but non-fiction books have a lot to offer when we give them a try.
Pottermania: What we love in the Harry Potter series
On June 26, 1997, one boy changed the world. That young boy was named Harry Potter, the famous protagonist of the seven-book series by JK Rowling. If you are unfamiliar with either of those names, there is a large chance you are living with the confundus charm. With 160 million copies sold in the U.S. alone and over 400 million copies sold worldwide, Harry …
Potter Therapy: How the Harry Potter series is being used to help treat PTSD and depression (2017)
Elements of the Harry Potter series such as dementors and patronuses can be viewed symbolically as representative of the struggle of good versus evil. Many readers connect emotionally to Harry’s loss, struggle, and battle to fight his own demons. Clinical therapist Dr. Janina Scarlet builds on this connection by using superheroes, witches and wizards to help …
Culture Crash: Harry Potter’s Lasting Legacy
A generation of children grew up with Harry Potter. We look at the books and movies they grew up watching, how they differ and what will stay with them until the very end.
Writing Crime Right: How author Don Winslow approaches hot-topic issues
Author Don Winslow talks about how he tries to accurately portray issues like police shootings of unarmed black men, law enforcement corruption, and more.
Culture Crash: Aaron Sorkin’s Mastery of Screenwriting
Aaron Sorkin is the man behind many beloved TV shows and movies. We look at one thing that makes his scripts truly shine: his pointed, duel-like dialogues.
Adventure in the Jungle: The Discovery of the Maya Civilization
We talk to author William Carlsen about the two men who ventured into the jungle and discovered the Mayans.
The Lost Art of Writing Letters (2017)
Everyday, we send and receive emails, but when’s the last time you wrote or received a handwritten letter?
From Fan to Collaborator: How Richard Chizmar wrote a novella with Stephen King
Richard Chizmar discusses his career, his process, and his opportunity to write a novella with Stephen King.
Culture Crash: Stephen King’s Mastery of Storytelling (2017)
Stephen King is known for his horror masterpieces, but he’s also written beloved dramas and fantasy novels. We explore what makes his novels click.
