Archive - The Writing Life by Matt Taibbi

Write What You Want, Not What You're Told

Editors and teachers, cover your ears, but one rule is failsafe

Jul 23, 2023 •

Note to Readers of "The Writing Life"

Brief thanks, plus a few changes from "Racket"

Jul 1, 2023 •

The Anthology of Funny: Nikolai Gogol's "The Nose"

The most perfectly ridiculous story ever written, and the dangers that may ensue from giving it to an impressionable 15-year-old

Jul 1, 2023 •

June 2023

On Writing: After Five Tries, Give Up

Also called the “Sisyphus 5” rule.

Jun 16, 2023 •

From "The Anthology of Funny"

Story #1: "How a Muzhik Fed Two Officials"

Jun 16, 2023 •

Welcome to "The Writing Life"

A separate Substack, devoted to cheerier topics, and things I might write for fun

Jun 13, 2023 •

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