Following Deb’s last post, we had some really good comments building on the idea of creating a sort of “Alaska Critics Circle” to promote the reviewing of Alaska books. I don’t have more to post about this today, but I want to keep the conversation going. What would it take you to become a book […]
2009
I recently received this email from an aspiring Alaska writer (his words in italics), looking for some publishing advice. I’ve obscured any identifying characteristics and am answering his questions here, with his permission, in order to fulfill my blogging and email duties simultaneously. Perhaps it will be of interest to others. I have started to
Reviewisaurus Rex
Are book reviews going the way of the dinosaur? I’m not talking about the blurb plus excerpts found in the Anchorage Daily News or the friend-enemy-relative customer reviews on Amazon. I’m talking about (dare I say it?) the old-fashioned kind, where an accomplished writer presents a thoughtful analysis that helps you decide whether the book
Book Club and Northern Favorites
Our readers have spoken. Actually, it was only a fraction of our readership, but we appreciate the input. The 49 writers book club will continue as it began, discussing one book per quarter, over the span of a weekend. Now to choose the book. Five great Alaskan titles were nominated. If we promise this will
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Cinthia on Saturdays: Diary of a Novelist
Another new feature here at 49 writers — we introduce a tired, late-night-writing Cinthia Ritchie (pictured in our guest bloggers’ picture column to the lower right) who will be chronicling her novel-writing adventures on alternating Saturdays. by Cinthia Ritchie I can’t stop cleaning. I’m not sure how this is possible since the house is such
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49 Writers weekly roundup
Looking at all the opportunities coming up for Alaskan authors and their readers, I get a sense of how the Klondikers must have felt back in ’98. Except no one has to pack a ton of supplies over a mountain or worry about getting there too late, unless of course you miss a deadline. Be
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Alaska, Then and Now: Interview with Sonya Senkowsky
Andromeda: In a young state, every bit of recorded history is particularly valuable. I love puzzling over the paired photos in Alaska Then and Now: Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks by Sonya Senkowsky and Amanda Coyne, seeing how places have changed or stayed the same. It’s a great gift book or reference shelf addition for the
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Resolutions research and why you should apply for a writing grant
Ever heard that the vast majority of people don’t keep their New Year’s resolutions? Well I’ve heard it, too — and it’s a pet peeve of mine, because I am a believer in goals and purposeful change. (And I grumble at vague “truisms” and shoddy reporting.) Let’s look at the real stats, as gleaned from
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Book Club Benefits
Last week my son (pictured above, showing me around San Diego) called from a bookstore, asking if I’d recommend a book. He loves Steinbeck but had read pretty much all of it. I suggested Alaskan author John Straley’s The Big Both Ways, comparable to Steinbeck in both setting and voice. Several years ago I’d have
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Fifty Years of Great Alaskan Books
Alaska turned fifty on Saturday. In Anchorage we celebrated in style, including the lighting of a cauldron that recalled the Tlingit-Haida myth of how Raven brought light to the world. We also enjoyed the best fireworks display ever in Alaska – in fact, the best I’ve experienced anywhere. All of which inspired me to gather
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