Conspiracy Theory
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How Sci-Fi Inspired Conspiracy Theory April 29, 2024
In 1950, a U.S. Army psyops officer named Paul Linebarger used a pseudonym to publish a science-fiction story titled “Scanners Live in Vain” in a pulp magazine. It was about a man named Martel who works for the “deep state” in the far future as a mys...
Processing: How Justin Taylor Wrote 'Reboot' April 23, 2024
On a semi-regular basis, I interview authors about their writing processes and new books. You can find previous entries here. Today I’m excited to be talking with Justin Taylor, whose excellent new novel Reboot comes out this week. Reboot is a hilari...
The Internet Built a Conspiracy Theory Around Taylor Swift January 24, 2024
The internet has gone into a frenzy over Argylle, a forthcoming spy movie, and its supposed source material, a yet-to-be-published novel by one Elly Conway. The author’s identity is a buzzy mystery far more gripping than novel itself: Is Elly Conway ...
Emotional Dependence on Celebrities Has Gone Too Far January 12, 2024
Recently the Times published this… unique essay by editor Anna Marks, on Taylor Swift’s sexual tastes, real or imagined. The piece operates by conceding that Swift is known to have exclusively dated men and has never made a single statement suggestin...
