Smatterings

The Boston Globe talks with M.T. Anderson, National Book Award winner of the super-fantabulous OCTAVIAN NOTHING.

Can a bookstore survive and thrive in downtown LA? Metropolitan Books certainly thinks so, says the LA TImes.

Stephen King talks to USA TODAY about the new graphic novel adaptation of THE DARK TOWER.

Okay, faking a book review? Not a good idea. (More over at Contemporary Nomad)

Anthony Giardina wanted very much to like Robert Daley’s new novel PICTURES, but too many thriller cliches did him in.

A link long overdue: Barry Hannah talking about teaching noir for the Oxford American.

David Carter delineates truth from myth in interviewing someone who may be suspected of being a serial killer.

Jessica Stockton’s call to arms for indie booksellers in New York to band together is required reading.

Margaret Atwood’s PENELOPIAD will be turned into a play, debuting in July at Straford-upon-Avon.

And finally, why are Penguins so popular? The Independent’s Ed Caesar investigates those arctic creatures.