Happy Memorial Day Weekend! We’re on the road like many of you. Do you ever find travel to be a good trigger for your writing? Maybe its similar to the way walking stimulates the ruminating brain. I think car trips and plane rides can have a similar effect–of course seeing new things and new places …
As the editor of “The Billfold,” I get a lot of emails from writers that include some variation of “This is my first pitch.” Sometimes they apologize in advance for the mistakes they’re sure they’ve made; other times they ask me for feedback. No matter how they phrase it, this declaration gets in the way …
SOUTHCENTRAL ANCHORAGE | Wednesday, May 23, Danger Close Alaska with Don Rearden We’re proud to present the 2018 offering of Danger Close Alaska, the third year of joint 49 Writers and Alaska Humanities Forum programming meant to build a literary community of civilians and veterans. Everyone is welcome to attend. This year, Danger Close Alaska takes place one night …
You know the old saying: federal decision-makers who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat the same mistakes in rural Alaska. (Wait, maybe that’s not quite it.) In our latest installment of Active Voice: Writers Respond, essayist Erica Watson does not hold back as she examines the actions of the current federal administration to move …
Active Voice | Bursts & Craters, Past & Present by Erica Watson Read More »
This week we celebrate the arts in Alaska by celebrating the 2018 cohort of Rasmuson Individual Artist awardees. Congratulations, everyone! What an amazing group. In the near future, you’ll hear more about a new collaboration between 49 Writers and the Rasmuson Foundation to profile recipients of individual artist awards. Did you know that last month’s …
As part of my gig as a staff reporter for the IBPA Independent, I’ve been writing about diversity in publishing. Although awareness of the need (and market) for diverse voices has increased, publishing decisions continue to be made by an industry that’s predominantly white. You’ll be able to read more of my findings when …
I’m a creative writer and most of my stories are nonfiction. In fact, they’re usually about my life, dealing with topics such as adoption and family dynamics. I sometimes wonder if my stories make me seem vain, like I know something important or have some better angle. But let me assure you. I don’t. I’m …
Passage Writes: Alaska Birth-Moms’ Stories by Sarah Mouracade Read More »
It’s May…vember? Snowing this morning across several parts of the state as reported via complaints on social media. You may be dreaming of writing retreat and conference season which is right around the corner. Lots of opportunities below, including 49 Writers own Tutka Bay Writers Retreat in September, with guest author Hannah Tinti, which only …
Crouched on the riverbank, I’m looking into the eyes of several large chum salmon, their heads and slithering bodies well above the water. Chum salmon are hefty fish, second only to king salmon in size. The spawning males have hooked jaws with sharp, canine-like teeth. Their mouths gape as they fin their bodies forward. Some …
Spotlight on Alaska Books | A Wild Promise: Prince William Sound, by Debbie S. Miller Read More »
