Lit Hub Daily: September 16, 2026

In 1880, Alfred Noyes entered the world. A recent article by Devon Halliday delves into the question of who truly gains from MFA workshops, suggesting that these spaces might benefit from a clearer direction. UFO enthusiasts reveal intriguing insights into American conspiracy theories. White supremacist literature finds fertile ground in prisons, spreading and gaining traction.

In her essay, Lydia Mathis recommends captivating books about the body, penned by authors like Justin Torres, Jesmyn Ward, and Sarah Gailey. Abdelrahman ElGendy shares how a prison poem in Egypt influenced the structure of his memoir. Vikram Chandra reflects on his book Geek Sublime, contemplating human coding in the era of artificial intelligence, in a conversation with Tobias Carroll. David Gessner remembers Robert Redford, the actor and conservationist, a year after his passing.

In her novel Fallow, Sarah Anderson explores the power of declining opportunities. In Aeon, Natalia Kucirkova ponders the fast-paced, often underwhelming nature of children's media. The Baffler highlights the importance of checking in on Wattpad, a platform for aspiring writers.

Longreads examines the growing demand for frictionless food and its consequences, while The Walrus praises a new documentary about Edward Said, calling it a "superb introduction." Emily St. John Mandel opens up about her struggles with elevator pitches and counter-lives, and her latest project, Exit Party. Wired magazine captures the essence of being bad at elevator pitches, the challenges of crafting concise and captivating self-promotion.