All writers have idols, but it’s important to remember that those idols are just human beings. Is it a good move for writers and readers to take their idols off the pedestal and to examine their flaws? What if we try to write better than our idols?

In this show, we explore how to find a place on the shelf. We discuss why it’s important to not idolize our favorite writers, but to instead examine them closely and figure out their best moves.

Show notes:

• 
  
• “Idols and Peers†by Monica Byrne in Glimmer Train – Byrne sparked the debate about “killing your idolsâ€
  
• Andre Dubus: Meditations from a Movable Chair
  
• “Hemingway on Writing, Knowledge, and the Dangers of Ego†– Brain Pickings
  
• Hisham Matar Reads Jorge Luis Borges – New Yorker fiction podcast
  
• Tenth of December by George Saunders
  

We want to hear from you! If you like the podcast, rate us on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever else you listen to us. Or leave us a comment in the show notes.

Special thanks to Jason and the Beast for our show’s theme song, “Street Preacher.â€

The post Episode 13: How To Find a Place on the Shelf appeared first on Critical Margins.