We’re adapting an idea conceived by former New York Press editor-in-chief Jeff Koyen that involves getting writers to submit “100 Words” on any topic or thought of their choice. Read more about his project at 100Words.com where people are tasked to write 100 words a day, every day, for a month. It’s a worthy challenge, even for the most seasoned writer/blogger. Since there is no shortage of great writers coming through the doors of the 92nd Street Y (see: Unterberg Poetry Center) and Makor on a regular basis, some early in their career and others of considerable achievement, we thought it would be a good idea to ask those who are interested to submit their own “100 Words On...” contribution to the 92Y Blog. (Once is enough for our purposes.) First up is Jami Attenberg, author of Instant Love who is taking part in the New Jewish Fiction talk at Makor on March 7.

On book tour, there were eccentric old men at every reading. It had something to do with the word “love” being in the title of my book. They all wanted to know what I knew about love. (The answer, of course, is: not much.) You might think they were dirty old men, but I liked to think of them as “dirty-curious.” And I became curious about them. Except for the man in Portland, who sat in the front row wearing short-shorts with his legs spread wide open. His was a kind of love I wanted to know nothing about.