High-Beams
[[bpstrwcotob]]
The Craft of Translating Fiction
The work of literary translators has often gone unrecognized—unless it is a bad translation. According to an article in a University of California Press journal, Global Perspectives, which cited a study of New York Times book reviews between 2008-2021, the portion of translated works as a percent of the US publishing market may have crept up to five percent. [1] This is a pitifully small percentage.
Running Through the Writing Process Fourth Wall
When I wrestle with a first draft of shorter writing—an essay in this case—I take it for a long run. No music, no podcasts, just two hours of nature, water in juice-box-sized bottles, electrolyte gels, and my outline entirely in my head. I have no choice but to write, because I’d rather my thoughts excavate the soil around an essay prompt than draft anxious emails (admittedly, I do take these out for runs, too).
What About the Little Guys? “Banned” Books from the Authors’ Perspective
Many think that for an author, getting their book banned is a badge of honor. That their sales will skyrocket with the free publicity. But this is only true for “celebrity” authors, or authors who are already a household name. What about the little guys? Those indie authors or first-time authors who have yet to form a large readership. How does book banning affect them?
Flow of Words
A pocket is a useful tool for writing because you can carry a pocketknife in it, which is good for sharpening your pencil. The pencil as a tool for writing has never been topped, as far as I know. It is cheap, and it is readily available. It is portable. It doesn't require Wi-Fi, and it doesn't have a noisy fan. It doesn't ask you to take a moment to fill out a brief survey. It doesn't ask you to like it.
The Line that Form Our Community: The Poetics of Black Joy
We fail to teach joy as a writing praxis because the concept of joy is something we seek, whereas grief is something we sit in. Around us, joy does not seem as abundant as does the weight of grief.
The Heart and Its Hunger
This piece is a part of our “Featured Collaborators” project, where we highlight the achievements of those who have helped make The Headlight Review possible. Today, we would like to extend our gratitude to Gregory Emilio for his support as our Guest Poetry Editor for Volume 2 of our magazine.
I Didn’t Write This
Drafting is the struggle to write like yourself and read like someone else.
The “write like yourself” part sounds easy until you become a writer. You’ll find it takes years of chipping away at a block of granite to find the authentic writer-self within.
Interrupted, An Essay in Fragments: Or, Write Like a Mother
I have emailed and texted myself when I have an idea and my phone, but not a piece of paper and pen. What I like best is the moment when the kids are at school, and I sit in my brown reclining chair with a cup of coffee and maybe a cat next to me, or somewhere nearby, and I have time to think deep thoughts. Those days are rare and precious.
Aesthetic Renaissance: The Rebirth of Culture
Now, the Walmart is burned down. Wooden boards block the windows of Wally World, and cardboard fences surround the perimeter.
Four Poems by Molly Brodak (1980-2020)
People are vivid / and small / and don’t live / very long—
Writing Corona: The Parade
A storm rolls in that looks to be of some size and I am steadfastly committed to not letting the world write me. It grows larger, closer, and somehow, more normal.
Three Poems by Molly Brodak (1980-2020)
We have decided to run these three poems to commemorate the life and work of former Kennesaw State professor Molly Brodak, who passed away this past Sunday, March 8, 2020. Molly was an acclaimed poet and nonfiction writer, and a talented and beloved teacher. She will be deeply missed.