https://pjmedia.com/rogerlsimon/2004/09/15/bring-back-the-union-of-soviet-writers/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usFri, 12 Jun 2026 06:24:25 -0400<![CDATA[Around 1987, I had the pleasure of visiting the Union of Soviet Writers as the guest of my late friend Julian Semionov, known as the Russian Robert Ludlum. I had heard the writers union building was one of the most sumptuous in Moscow with a grand wood-paneled dining room with fabulous food and free-flowing vodka. That proved to be true. At the next table to us was the chic and handsome Yevgeny Yevtushenko, spooning dollops of Beluga on his plate. Poets never had it so good, sanctioned ones anyway.]]>Wed, 15 Sep 2004 08:46:01 -0400<![CDATA[Roger L. Simon]]>https://pjmedia.com/roger-l-simon/2004/09/15/bring-back-the-union-of-soviet-writers-n204659