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)

Mr. Rosen discusses why he has written a memoir so early in his life and speaks about his other writings. Mr. Rosen reads excerpts from his book.

Canadian poet and novelist Margaret Atwood discusses her poetry and her first novel, “Surfacing,” focusing on the novel’s symbolism and the themes of nature, religion and memory. She compares life, attitudes, and politics in Canada with those of the United States.

Studs Terkel interviews composer Ned Rorem. They discuss Rorem's childhood, music, poetry, languages, and religion.

Nelson Algren discusses his short story, "How the Devil Came Down Division Street," the art of writing, and writers of the Beat Generation.

Discussing the book "Shannon" with the author Gordon Parks.

Tennessee Williams said he'll stop writing when he can no longer produce good work. He spoke of being puzzled as to why so little of his work gets produced in New York. Williams also talked about taking offense when the first sequences of the TV show "Dallas" aired. He explained that the owner of the great estate in "Dallas" was a copy of his Big Daddy character, who was a wealthy plantation owner.

When looking at the set design, David Hockney, doesn’t want the viewer to see a tree but to see “tree-ness”. A true fan of music, but Hockney reveals that he is unable to paint if there’s music playing in the background. Hockney said it’s important to stay for more than opening night of “Turandot”. To see the opera on different nights, from different seats in the audience, allows him to make his current work and/or future work better. Program also includes an excerpt of an interview with British poet Stephen Spender 4:56 to 5:51.

Poet, critic and writer Al Alvarez talks about his personal experiences and how it interlaces with literature and poetry.