Amos Magliocco
@amosmagliocco.bsky.social
Writer, Teacher, Tornado Seeker
Stories & essays in Missouri Review, Yemassee, Redivider, Pushcart Prize. Tornadoes at cycloneroad.com. Copy ed., EJSSM.com. Principal Lecturer, UNT English.
Stories & essays in Missouri Review, Yemassee, Redivider, Pushcart Prize. Tornadoes at cycloneroad.com. Copy ed., EJSSM.com. Principal Lecturer, UNT English.
Pinned
Amos Magliocco
@amosmagliocco.bsky.social
· Jun 13
Tornadoes in Kent County, Texas, 12 June 2005 (4K60 Remaster)
YouTube video by Amos Magliocco
youtu.be
These tornadoes from 20 years ago today mean a lot to me because they were amazing, and because it was a brief window of pure freedom: Eric Nguyen, Scott Blair, and me had all graduated various degree programs and, with no jobs lined up yet, we chased until the money ran out. youtu.be/RspFa7VFfjk
Let me end this teacherly kitchen table rant by saying the best students are still dynamite, exponentially more imaginative and motivated than I was at their age, and their work is often fabulous and jarring.
November 30, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Let me end this teacherly kitchen table rant by saying the best students are still dynamite, exponentially more imaginative and motivated than I was at their age, and their work is often fabulous and jarring.
Recently, for the first time, I explained to a student in a creative writing class what fiction was—not the particular form, but the whole concept of invented narrative. A surreal moment.
And to think how me and my fellow MFAers worried about kids lined up for giant Harry Potter novels in 03.
And to think how me and my fellow MFAers worried about kids lined up for giant Harry Potter novels in 03.
When I ask them: "What are you reading? What are you watching? What are you listening to?" Often, the answer is: nothing. Which has a direct effect on their over-use of prompts and AI, because they can't think of ideas, because they are literally not engaging with a single figurative thing.
November 30, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Recently, for the first time, I explained to a student in a creative writing class what fiction was—not the particular form, but the whole concept of invented narrative. A surreal moment.
And to think how me and my fellow MFAers worried about kids lined up for giant Harry Potter novels in 03.
And to think how me and my fellow MFAers worried about kids lined up for giant Harry Potter novels in 03.
Every word reflects my experience in the last 18 months. Whatever the cause(s), it makes the smartphone collision of the 2010s feel like a gentle nudge.
This is more like we’re closing up shop and haven’t admitted it yet.
This is more like we’re closing up shop and haven’t admitted it yet.
An issue we're seeing at all levels of university is that many students are simply refusing to do *anything*. They aren't reading the syllabus, aren't following assignment guidelines, aren't engaging with material, ignoring deadlines. And this might seem like old news, but it truly has ramped up.
November 30, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Every word reflects my experience in the last 18 months. Whatever the cause(s), it makes the smartphone collision of the 2010s feel like a gentle nudge.
This is more like we’re closing up shop and haven’t admitted it yet.
This is more like we’re closing up shop and haven’t admitted it yet.
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
"Homelessness today isn't just the person sleeping outside a Walmart. It's often the cashier or worker stocking the shelves inside."
I joined @pbsnews.org to talk about There Is No Place for Us and the staggering rise of the "working homeless":
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
I joined @pbsnews.org to talk about There Is No Place for Us and the staggering rise of the "working homeless":
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
November 29, 2025 at 11:54 PM
"Homelessness today isn't just the person sleeping outside a Walmart. It's often the cashier or worker stocking the shelves inside."
I joined @pbsnews.org to talk about There Is No Place for Us and the staggering rise of the "working homeless":
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
I joined @pbsnews.org to talk about There Is No Place for Us and the staggering rise of the "working homeless":
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
November 29, 2025 at 11:01 PM
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
I wrote about a wild interaction I had at a dinner party recently, & also the best explanation I’ve ever seen of what “technique” is in artmaking. garthgreenwell.substack.com/p/what-even-...
November 29, 2025 at 4:36 PM
I wrote about a wild interaction I had at a dinner party recently, & also the best explanation I’ve ever seen of what “technique” is in artmaking. garthgreenwell.substack.com/p/what-even-...
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
I got to chit and chat with the great @elizmccrack.bsky.social in honor of her new book, A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction, which goes on sale in the U S of A this coming Tuesday! Enjoy the conversation! Preorder the book!
A Long Game
[my conversation with Elizabeth McCracken]
open.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I got to chit and chat with the great @elizmccrack.bsky.social in honor of her new book, A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction, which goes on sale in the U S of A this coming Tuesday! Enjoy the conversation! Preorder the book!
Al Michaels completely unimpressed with a 25-yard run.
November 28, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Al Michaels completely unimpressed with a 25-yard run.
Tech wants AI to be another PC boom or dotcom boom, but those movements grew from the ground up, not by force feeding consumers from above.
AI is here to stay, and its more than just gussied up algorithms, but the present value for daily life isn't apparent yet. The ecological toll definitely is.
AI is here to stay, and its more than just gussied up algorithms, but the present value for daily life isn't apparent yet. The ecological toll definitely is.
November 28, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Tech wants AI to be another PC boom or dotcom boom, but those movements grew from the ground up, not by force feeding consumers from above.
AI is here to stay, and its more than just gussied up algorithms, but the present value for daily life isn't apparent yet. The ecological toll definitely is.
AI is here to stay, and its more than just gussied up algorithms, but the present value for daily life isn't apparent yet. The ecological toll definitely is.
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
Black Friday reminder: You can support independent bookstores and get great deals without lining the pockets of billionaires 😌
November 28, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Black Friday reminder: You can support independent bookstores and get great deals without lining the pockets of billionaires 😌
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've seen.
James Brown
James Taylor
Pink Floyd
Norah Jones
Lucinda Williams
James Brown
James Taylor
Pink Floyd
Norah Jones
Lucinda Williams
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you've seen.
The Smiths
Dolly Parton
PJ Harvey
Orbital
Wet Leg
The Smiths
Dolly Parton
PJ Harvey
Orbital
Wet Leg
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you've seen.
The Cranberries
Prince
The Prodigy
The Stone Roses
Pulp
(Sinister link included)
The Cranberries
Prince
The Prodigy
The Stone Roses
Pulp
(Sinister link included)
November 27, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've seen.
James Brown
James Taylor
Pink Floyd
Norah Jones
Lucinda Williams
James Brown
James Taylor
Pink Floyd
Norah Jones
Lucinda Williams
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
This is why OpenAI is selling so aggressively to education at all levels—they want to create entire generations of users incapable of reading, writing and thinking without ChatGPT to hold their hands
And teachers and professors should call this out for what it actually is
And teachers and professors should call this out for what it actually is
To bear out this rosy projection, HSBC assumes that OpenAI will become "as ubiquitous [...] as Microsoft 365" (345mm users worldwide) while bringing in 10x the number of users (3bn).
November 25, 2025 at 11:11 PM
This is why OpenAI is selling so aggressively to education at all levels—they want to create entire generations of users incapable of reading, writing and thinking without ChatGPT to hold their hands
And teachers and professors should call this out for what it actually is
And teachers and professors should call this out for what it actually is
The heavy squirrels galloping over the roof sound like they've eaten already.
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
November 27, 2025 at 3:27 PM
The heavy squirrels galloping over the roof sound like they've eaten already.
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
Listening to a little more music can't hurt.
November 27, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Listening to a little more music can't hurt.
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
My big year-end storm chasing flick premieres on at 7:15 PM CT this evening! I'll share a YouTube link when it's available but wanted to put it on your radar if you're not traveling and want to join me for the live premier!
November 26, 2025 at 4:59 PM
My big year-end storm chasing flick premieres on at 7:15 PM CT this evening! I'll share a YouTube link when it's available but wanted to put it on your radar if you're not traveling and want to join me for the live premier!
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
Pope Leo XIV told students not to use artificial intelligence for homework, saying that AI ‘won’t stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation.’
Even God Is Worried About ChatGPT
Pope Leo XIV told students not to use artificial intelligence for homework, saying that AI ‘won’t stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation.’
www.vulture.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Pope Leo XIV told students not to use artificial intelligence for homework, saying that AI ‘won’t stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation.’
“I haven't said a word since you been gone
That any liar couldn't say as well.”
-Cohen
That any liar couldn't say as well.”
-Cohen
November 26, 2025 at 3:43 AM
“I haven't said a word since you been gone
That any liar couldn't say as well.”
-Cohen
That any liar couldn't say as well.”
-Cohen
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
My 2026 #Chicago desktop calendars are now available!
You can get hem here > www.etsy.com/listing/4403...
You can get hem here > www.etsy.com/listing/4403...
November 20, 2025 at 3:23 PM
My 2026 #Chicago desktop calendars are now available!
You can get hem here > www.etsy.com/listing/4403...
You can get hem here > www.etsy.com/listing/4403...
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
My microwave sings a little song when my Hot Pocket is done. Should it have the right to vote?
November 25, 2025 at 8:44 PM
My microwave sings a little song when my Hot Pocket is done. Should it have the right to vote?
How to make a random astronaut-senator a presidential contender in one easy step.
November 25, 2025 at 4:45 PM
How to make a random astronaut-senator a presidential contender in one easy step.
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
Annual shameless self-promotion! This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to leave civilization behind for a spell of personal growth & refreshment by a stream in the mountains far from town. Makes a great gift!
Breaking Into the Backcountry Book Review
Breaking Into the Backcountry (University of Nebraska Press, 2010), is a memoir of solitude, anxiety, and beauty. It is the story of Edwards’s 2001 experience with the famed Boyden Wilderness Residenc...
www.trailgroove.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Annual shameless self-promotion! This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to leave civilization behind for a spell of personal growth & refreshment by a stream in the mountains far from town. Makes a great gift!
I see a mag wants to gin up MFA controversy just in time for recommendation season.
In fact I'm writing this instead of finishing recs, even as the prompt pile grows in my inbox (shout out to UT for their customary TWO emails).
Consider: an MFA is more expensive than boxed beef & lousy in goulash.
In fact I'm writing this instead of finishing recs, even as the prompt pile grows in my inbox (shout out to UT for their customary TWO emails).
Consider: an MFA is more expensive than boxed beef & lousy in goulash.
November 23, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I see a mag wants to gin up MFA controversy just in time for recommendation season.
In fact I'm writing this instead of finishing recs, even as the prompt pile grows in my inbox (shout out to UT for their customary TWO emails).
Consider: an MFA is more expensive than boxed beef & lousy in goulash.
In fact I'm writing this instead of finishing recs, even as the prompt pile grows in my inbox (shout out to UT for their customary TWO emails).
Consider: an MFA is more expensive than boxed beef & lousy in goulash.
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
Ethan Rutherford’s new novel, North Sun, is up for one of the biggest awards in American literature.
A Sea Adventure Novel From Deep Vellum Might Win National Book Award
North Sun, the new novel by Ethan Rutherford, is nominated for the National Book Award for Fiction.
www.dallasobserver.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Ethan Rutherford’s new novel, North Sun, is up for one of the biggest awards in American literature.
Reposted by Amos Magliocco
Some news: tomorrow at 9am, Ted Koppel + CBS Sunday Morning will air a two-part story on the devastating surge of full-time workers being pushed into homelessness.
I'll be interviewed along with two families from There Is No Place for Us. It would mean a lot if you'd watch and help spread the word.
I'll be interviewed along with two families from There Is No Place for Us. It would mean a lot if you'd watch and help spread the word.
November 15, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Some news: tomorrow at 9am, Ted Koppel + CBS Sunday Morning will air a two-part story on the devastating surge of full-time workers being pushed into homelessness.
I'll be interviewed along with two families from There Is No Place for Us. It would mean a lot if you'd watch and help spread the word.
I'll be interviewed along with two families from There Is No Place for Us. It would mean a lot if you'd watch and help spread the word.
I can't even read the story about Kennedy and the CDC. This American self-mutilation, a country with prodigious resources to better humankind, is just beyond everything.
All because of the internet. The fucking internet.
All because of the internet. The fucking internet.
November 22, 2025 at 3:27 AM
I can't even read the story about Kennedy and the CDC. This American self-mutilation, a country with prodigious resources to better humankind, is just beyond everything.
All because of the internet. The fucking internet.
All because of the internet. The fucking internet.