CORVALLIS, Ore. - Novelist Andrew Altschul, author of an acclaimed new book that examines the state of media and culture, will give a talk at Oregon State University on Wednesday, March 9, beginning at 4 p.m.

The free, public event will be held in the Memorial Union La Raza Room (room 208).

Altschul's talk, "The God Module, or Point of View as the Precondition for Any Story Whatsoever," is designed to be a discussion of the craft of literary writing. He will talk about what he's learned about the creative process of writing, as a novelist and short story writer. His presentation will focus on the element of literary art known as "point of view" and its central role in constructing a successful work of fiction.

His talk will be followed by a question and answer session.

Altschul is the author of the novels "Lady Lazarus" (2008) and "Deus Ex Machina" (2011). A former music journalist and rock music disc jockey, he is the books editor of The Rumpus and director of the Center for Literary Arts at San Jose State University.

Altschul will also give a public reading at 7 p.m. on March 9, when he will read from "Deus Ex Machina" at Grass Roots Books & Music, 227 S.W. 2nd St., Corvallis.

"Deux Ex Machina" was praised by Stacey D'Erasmo as "searing, riveting, shockingly smart ... Altschul fearlessly plunges into the heart of darkness - reality television - and finds the tragicomedy of our time." And Publishers Weekly wrote of the book: "Rarely has societal critique come with more mayhem... an anarchic assault on the dehumanizing power of media."

Altschul's talk is sponsored by the English Department, the Valley Library, Tim Steele and Kathy Brisker, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Office of the Provost.

Source: 

Marjorie Sandor, 541-737-1648

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