As I absorbed coffee this morning, I drafted these rules for writing short fiction. My students’ last paper assignment involves writing short stories. Writers find all sorts of good reasons for breaking rules, but rules do form important guidelines for new writers. Writing is a lot like playing music: You have to learn the note…

One month ago, I won a bid on Ebay for this beautiful Erika 5. Not only is the machine in stellar condition, but it has an italic typeface (a first for me). The case, likewise, is in excellent condition. Having come from Germany, it was held up in customs in New York for quite some…