As a tribute to Nelson Algren after his death, a collection of his writing is dramatized in this radio program titled "Come in at the Door."

H. E. F. (Shag) Donahue and Nelson Algren discuss Donahue's book, "Conversations with Nelson Algren," a biographical exploration of Algren's life as a writer. They discuss the creative lives, successes and failures of other authors in relation to Algren's work, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.D. Salinger, Richard Wright, and others. Includes the author reading excerpts from "Conversations with Nelson Algren."

Rose Rigsby a writer and poet is interviewed along with Betty Shifflett, who teaches fiction at Columbia College. Ms Rigsby and Ms. Shifflett talk about writing with Studs. Ms. Rigsby reads from her stories and about her time in the Sanitarium and receiving shock therapy. Several excerpts are presented from an interview with Rose Rigsby speaking about children and of taking care of them. (1925145-3-1)

Anna Deavere Smith discusses and demonstrates her unique character portrayals from her works "Fires in the Mirror" and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992."

Ned Rorem discusses the differences between writing books and writing compositions, his book "The Paris Diary of Ned Rorem", and how he uses poetry in his compositions.

David Mamet discusses his play Glengarry Glen Ross. Includes two scenes from the play recited by both David Mamet and Studs Terkel.

Sandra Cisneros sits down with Studs Terkel and provides behind the scenes commentary on poems from her new book "My Wicked Wicked Ways." She provides an enlightening history to them. "Curtains," "Velorio," "Arturo Burro," "I Told Susan Reyna," "Traficante," "In a redneck bar down the street," The Poet Reflects on Her Solitary Fate," "His Story," "Letter to Ilona from the South of France," "New Year's Eve" have been removed due to copyright restrictions.

Sandra Cisneros recounts the creation of her works from her new release "Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories" as well as "House on Mango Street". The following have been removed due to copyright restrictions: "Eleven", "Mexican Movies", "Eyes of Zapata", "Bien Pretty" and "One Holy Night". From "House on Mango Street" she reads "A Smart Cookie", "Hips", "My Name", and "Mi Tocayo," "Those Who Don't."

As a tribute to Nelson Algren after his death, a collection of his writing is dramatized in this radio program titled "Come in at the Door."

Discussing the book "From Bauhaus to our house" with the author and journalist Tom Wolfe.