As summer draws to a close, our thoughts turn to winter writing projects that will sustain us through the long, dark days. The new schedule of creative writing classes at 49 Writers is designed to both inspire and encourage you, while you hone your writerly skills and re-connect to your literary community. The Anchorage season […]
Linda: 49 Writers Weekly Roundup Read More »
It was probably January when I decided to move a short distance into an abandoned log cabin right on the riverbank. Now there were two things I didn’t know. First, it was abandoned because it’s too cold right on the river, and if that wasn’t enough, this cabin had been lifted up in a flood
Spotlight on Alaska Books: Sleetmute: A True Story of Alaska, by Stan Resnicoff Read More »
The first thing I learned in journalism was this: news is written at a 4th or 5th grade reading level. For Americans the average reading level is around 7th grade. When people read for fun or information, they tend to select materials a grade or two below their actual reading level. Thus, writing at a
Jessica Ramsey Golden: Writing For the American Reading Level Read More »
Still, now; the torn tin-wrapped two-story structure stands: Towards a century ago; its tired timber and stone-age material met To hold each other unconditionally; To vanquish Kikiktagruk’s seasons. Legendary: a hunting-guide, a bush-pilot, a man; Family spent and shared time and more time. Liquor and grub given to many at “Marie’s”: Before the hunt; Roy
Alaska Shorts: 301 Shore Avenue, by Stephen D. Bolen Read More »
Independence Mine (photo by Mike Criss) I lost my way on Raspberry Road, driving without good directions on a recent stay in Anchorage and turned into a side road to make a U turn. In the August sun, the bright glint of metal caught my eye as a man in shorts and a faded teeshirt
Celebrate the Unexpected – Welcoming the Poetry of Place: A Guest Post by Wendy Erd Read More »
It has been a momentous week for Alaska literary news, one that has evoked emotions veering from elation one moment to deep sorrow the next. Richard Dauenhauer at the 2014 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities(photo courtesy of Alaska State Council on the Arts) The whole literary community is in mourning for Richard Dauenhauer,
Linda: 49 Writers Weekly Roundup Read More »
Ned Rozell Dear Edgar: I was poking around in a bin of opportunity (“Dumpsters” to your type, with a capital D for some reason) the other day and came across a newspaper that said you died in October 160 years ago. Bummer. I had seen your famous poem about us, in another bin (you wouldn’t
Alaska Shorts: Raven’s Letter to Edgar, by Ned Rozell Read More »
This blog post was originally scheduled to run last week, on Aug. 13. But following Robin Williams’ suicide on Aug. 11, I asked that the post be delayed so that I could reframe my thoughts in light of the national conversation occurring in the wake of this loss. Nothing I say will provide new solutions
Jessica Ramsey Golden: The Self-Destructing Creative Read More »
Author Autumn Dawn, a former student from North Pole High School. Like many writers, I was a teacher first. Following a news article on my latest novel, I received an inspiring email from a former student, now a fellow author who writes under the name Autumn Dawn. “I wanted to thank you again for teaching
Deb: One Author's Publishing Success – An Interview with Autumn Dawn Read More »
The consensus among people I know is that we wait too long before we finally put our sick, old pets to sleep. That was on my mind when I finally decided to put my old dog Nelson down. I saw that his mind was more confused than ever, and as he paced around the yard
Alaska Shorts: A Last Walk in the Woods, by Dan Walker Read More »
