Readings from They Said, A Collaborative Anthology

Jacqueline Doyle, Chiyuma Elliott, Tracy Jane Gregory, Steve Gutierrez, Carla Harryman, Persis Karim, Caroline Kessler, Rae Liberto and Dean Rader read pieces from They Said: A Multi-Genre Anthology of Contemporary Collaborative Writing.

Praise for They Said

Carlos Fuentes argued that the most important literary occasions are those in which “genre” is recirculated. Writing survives—thrives, even—on recirculation and the reconception of genre. The collaborations collected here represent such a change, as important, in their own way, as concretism, found, sound or random poetry. Making the author plural, through joint composition, repositions the work, its voice and its experiential and emotion contexts. The more seamless these collaborations seem and most do seem seamless—the more radical their gestures. Lyric, discursive, sometimes political these pieces manage their changes in compelling duets.—Michael Anania

According to the Greeks, the origin of the word anthology can literally be translated as “flowergathering”. They Said gathers the most original and complementary blossoms in the literary garden and creates rare and distinctive bouquets. From poetry to creative non-fiction and more, from voices both familiar and yet-to-be discovered by some, there are splendid petals here for every reader to pluck.—Lynne Thompson

With They Said, we’re presented with an anthology of contemporary work that beautifully illustrates the generative potential and dynamic energy of collaboration—a literary art too often overlooked. For any writer or poet, it’s impossible not to be inspired by the possibilities suggested here.—Laura Cogan and Oscar Villalon

About They Said

They Said: A Multi-Genre Anthology of Contemporary Collaborative Writing includes poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as hybridized forms that push the boundaries of concepts like “genre” and “author.”