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 »
Our initial elation at Monday’s news that the months-long prioritization process at UAA has determined that the university should invest more resources in arts, languages, and humanities was quickly overshadowed by their conclusion that the Alaska Quarterly Review is one of the non-academic programs needing “further review, consideration for reduction or phase out.” Say it
Linda: 49 Writers Weekly Roundup Read More »
Jan Harper-Haines When the Chena River overflowed its banks in 1948, as it did nearly every spring, Fairbanks took on the appearance of a slowly moving lake. The dirty brown water, dotted with chunks of ice, logs, carcasses of dead animals, and other debris from the long winter, spread across the little river town. Lapping
Alaska Shorts: From Cold River Spirits, by Jan Harper-Haines Read More »
Raymond Chandler You’re going to love this. Listen: “A large black and gold butterfly fishtailed in and landed on a hydrangea bush almost at my elbow, moved its wings slowly up and down a few times, then took off heavily and staggered away through the motionless hot scented air.” Staggered! What better way to describe
Jessica Ramsey Golden: In Praise of Late-Bloomers Read More »
