Reading about Writing about Writing, Talking about Reading, Talking about Writing

BOOKS
Writing the Unwritten

With Burning Down the House (1997), a collection of essays on writing, Charles Baxter became a fixture, by proxy, in fiction workshops everywhere. In his new book, The Art of Subtext: Beyond Plot (Graywolf Press), Baxter goes on to explore the unwritten aspects of writing. He sets out to prove that, in fiction, “What is displayed evokes what is not displayed, like a party where the guests discuss, at length, those who are not in attendance.” Remarkably (but just as expected) Baxter does so with eloquence and conviction, using literary reference and personal anecdote to mine the meanings hidden in prose, and to cement his reputation as a guru of contemporary fiction. — by Max Ross

7:30 p.m., Magers and Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-822-4611.

The Artist’s Bookshelf: The Inheritance of Loss

Some of us are not blessed with a group of superbly intelligent friends who want to sit around for hours each week discussing literature. No, not any more. (And at times I’m even almost glad for that; but mostly it makes me want to weep.) In the end, you have a few choices. You could become a neurotic internet freak who learns to count caresses in bytes. You could spend thousands upon thousands of poorly earned dollars on endless years of therapy. Or you could get out more, perhaps even admitting that you need “events” to bring you together with others like you. Woohoo. Onward. Start out this evening with a discussion of Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss at the Walker. Set in mid-80s India, on the eve the Nepalese independence movement, Desai’s latest novel examines just about every contemporary international issue you can imagine: globalization, fundamentalism, poverty, terrorism, and exile — all with a very personal touch. Check out the discussion questions before you go, so that you’ll sound truly brilliant. And if you have an hour to spare beforehand, start out the evening with the 6 p.m. gallery tour.

7 p.m., Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-375-7600.

LECTURES
It’s News to Me

Well, how do you like that. As I’m raking the net and my files for things to do, I come across this little doozy: Our very own Rake food critic is speaking tonight at the Minneapolis Central Library — and it has absolutely nothing to do with food. While most of us know Jeremy Iggers from his many years as the Star Tribune food critic, his talents extend far beyond any dining room table. In fact, in addition to his work with The Rake, Iggers also “daylights” as executive director of the Twin Cities Media Alliance. You’ll find numerous articles of his at Twin Cities Daily Planet. If you like what you see, then you should definitely put your name on the waiting list for “New about the News: The Scoop on Today’s Media” tonight. That’s right; there’s a waiting list. But don’t worry. If you don’t get in tonight, you’ll have another shot next week to hear what Iggers has to say about media in the digital age.

6:30 p.m., Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room, 300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls; 612-630-6000; free, but R.S.V.P.

THEATER & PERFORMANCE
Ahhh… Kevin Kling Appears After All

OK. Maybe all the Kevin Kling fans will stop complaining now. When he didn’t make it into this year’s Fringe Festival, everyone starting crying injustice. It’s random, isn’t it? Too bad. But the great thing about previous years of Fringe Fest success, is that you don’t really need the Fringe Fest in the end.The truth is, theaters are lucky to get his shows. And the lucky theater this evening (or should I say theatre?) is the Open Eye Figure Theatre. Tonight’s show, Come and Get It is a collaboration with Open Eye’s Michael Sommers, cellist Michelle Kinney, and songstress/squeezebox artist Simone Perrin. Their description? “Think of it as an exploration of the seen and unseen world via story, image and song.” Not exactly very informative, but certainly at least somewhat intriguing.

7:30 p.m., Open Eye Figure Theatre, 506 E. 24th St., Minneapolis; 612-874-6338; $15 (discount students/seniors and Fringe button-wearers).

MUSIC AND STYLE
Commingle: Urban Fashion and Music Show

In its third year, Commingle: Urban Fashion and Music brings together music and fashion. OK. Tell me when the two are NOT together, for crying out loud. What we have here is another fine example of the new trend of featuring musicians and designers together for a full fashionista extravaganza. This evening’s designers include D. DeAoni Clothing, Kacey Kubiszewski, Kristin Johnson, Mary Pass, Susan Vue, and Wone Vang. The music cuts across numerous genres — jazz, hip-hop, house, rock, reggae — and includes performances by Lolly Pop, Niknyc, and Soulacious.

9:30 p.m., Trocaderos, 107 Third Ave. N., Minneapolis; $18, $45.25 VIP Section (Premiere Seating, Bottle of Wine, Backstage Access).

VIDEO
Owen Goes . . . to the phrenologist

Check out the new Owen video.