Is the Novel Dead? Part One

In this special edition of the show, two writers joined me to opine the death of one of the most influential forms in the history of the written word. I posed the question that many great writers have pondered stretching across the last two centuries …

Of course these are famous — almost cliche — theoretical discussions that writers often chew on over stiff drinks, and they raise hackles for those of us who adore them.

What you won’t find here is a highbrow literary dissertation, or even a very strict definition as to what the novel is or isn’t. But you will find a lively discussion between friends who care about the writing life and its future.

Robert Bruce is a writer, voice actor, and copywriter, as well as the Vice President of Rainmaker Digital and the guy who runs the Rainmaker.FM podcast network.

Adam Skolnick is an award-winning journalist, author, and a returning guest on the show. His first book, One Breath, was published by Crown last January, and his work has appeared in publications including Playboy, The New York Times, and many others.

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In Part One of the file Robert, Adam, and I discuss:

• How Longer Works of Writing Have Been Forced to Compete with Disposable Culture
• Why Herman Melville Died Penniless
• How the Novel has Stood the Test of Time
• The Role of Podcasting for Modern Writers
• Author Hugh Howey’s ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’ Model of Book Retail

The Show Notes

• Audible is Offering a Free Audiobook Download with a 30-day Trial: Grab Your Free Audiobook Here – audibletrial.com/rainmaker
• Is the Novel Dead? Part Two
• Get More from Robert Bruce at RobertBruce.com
• Find more from Adam Skolnick at AdamSkolnick.com
• How Andy Weir (Bestselling Author of ‘The Martian’) Writes: Part One
• How Bestselling Author Jay McInerney Writes: Part One
• The Passive Voice – After Months of Strong Sales, Bookstores See Drop in July
• Hugh Howey – Rock, Paper, Scissors
• Kelton Reid on Twitter

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