The Sun Collective by Charles Baxter.
I’m interested in stories with unconventional structure like modular design. I also like the trend of merging forms, such as a realistic story that uses traits found in fairytales (a journey with suggestions of magic and elements that come in threes, etc.). I support the investigation of social justice issues in fiction but don’t like the sacrifice of art in order to make a point.
Language is your medium. Notice carefully how the masters use it. Practice. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Revision is key.
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson.
Undeveloped characters, focusing on plot rather than making discoveries about the human condition, predictability, inattention to language, writing a story to demonstrate an idea rather than allowing ideas to emerge organically, overlooking subconscious clues to the core idea
Nan Cuba is the author of Body and Bread, winner of the PEN/Southwest Award in Fiction and the Texas Institute of Letters Steven Turner Award; it was listed as one of “Ten Titles to Pick Up Now” in O, Oprah’s Magazine. Other work has appeared in Antioch Review, Harvard Review, Columbia, Quarterly West, and Chicago Tribune’s Printer’s Row. She is the founder and executive director emeritus of Gemini Ink, a nonprofit literary center.
