In these uncertain times, MacArthur Foundation's $500,000 "genius grant" will undoubtedly save a few writers from economic despair. As you finish your Great American Novel, be sure to send a galley to Lawrence Weschler.

During his career, the former New Yorker writer and author has written profiles of eight different artists who went on to win MacArthur Fellowships within six months of receiving the Weschler treatment.

According to The Stranger, the eighth profile was a monograph about the work of Tara Donovan, published by Monacelli Press. An additional Weschler story about the artist Robert Irwin, from the article: "The person who bumped into and broke the Irwin column at Irwin's retrospective in San Diego earlier this year is Irwin's biggest fan. He came bounding out of the bathroom and ran straight into the thing."