Charlotte Lit’s Blog

Welcome to Charlotte Lit’s literary arts blog. What you’ll find here: reviews, interviews, craft essays, previews of literary arts events, and anything else that catches our attention.

Patrice Gopo

Read to Understand: CML’s Black Lives Matter Reading List

/in , /by

When I arrive on the second floor of Charlotte’s Main Library, I notice the usual activity. Two librarians seated behind the reference desk, ready to answer questions. A couple of individuals shuffling through the bookshelves. A cluster of people seated at computer work stations. But there is also the sound of a soft quiet here—not […]

Read more
Kathie Collins

The Hidden Life of Trees

/in , /by

As I write, glancing—a little too often to be very productive—out of my office windows on this bitterly cold January afternoon, the winter sun is just beginning to sink. In another half hour, it will set the bare canopies of my front yard’s great oaks into flames of orange, pink, and deep plum. It’s a […]

Read more
Paul Reali

Immutable Laws of Writing #1: The words will not write themselves

/2 Comments/in , /by

The words are not going to write themselves. This seems obvious, no? Seems as if it doesn’t need to be said, yes? And yet, here it is, for your consumption, taking a prominent place as Immutable Law of Writing #1. Here’s the full story. I know many writers who do not write. I think what […]

Read more
Paul Reali

Christmas Yet to Come: Reading “A Christmas Carol” as a writer

/in , /by

In addition to being a seminal work of literature, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a beautifully-constructed story, and writers can learn by studying it. A memorable protagonist, compelling flashbacks, conflict and tension—and by the time the “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come” arrives, we’re totally sold on the ending, Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption. We bring it […]

Read more