Do a writerly imitation of David Sedaris, in a mere 100 to 400 words, and you might win a copy of his new book, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, which, along with Sedaris’s previous work, has attracted its share of debate. (You don’t want me to “take a stand,” right? Must a person have an equally strong opinion about everything? Really, I want to know what you think about that.) Entries are being posted in Asylum’s comments box, which makes the contest much more fun to follow.

Thank you, kind reader Colin, for the tip!

Some time ago, Emdashes published an exclusive outtake from Marty Rosen’s in-depth and enjoyable interview with Sedaris in the Louisville Courier-Journal; it continues to make regular appearances on our stats page, and we were glad to use it. Print reporters, please feel free to send us material you can’t use in that bloodied but unbowed medium.