Next week is movie week at 49 writers. Stay tuned for interviews, articles, and general musings on filmmaking and what it means for Alaska. On a related note, author Ann Chardonnet shares news about a company that specializes in films made by women: Women Make Movies, Inc.
Also, don’t forget the 49 writers online book discussion of Seth Kantner’s Ordinary Wolves, slated for March 7 and 8. We’ll be running a great interview with Seth prior to the discussion.
Author Gary Holthaus has recently returned to Alaska
and is scheduled to do a reading and discussion for the UAA Bookstore on February 24 from 5:00—7:00 p.m. His book, Learning Native Wisdom: What Traditional Cultures Teach Us about Subsistence, Sustainability and Spirituality, is part of the series called “Culture of the Land” published by the University Press of Kentucky.
Don’t forget Dana Stabenow’s only Alaska signing of newly released Whisper to the Blood is this Saturday at Title Wave in Anchorage. At her web site, you’ll find a reader’s guide and a teacher’s guide to the book, not to mention “Conspiracy,” a mini short story set between A Deeper Sleep and Whisper to the Blood.
Anchorage Reads, the Loussac Library’s annual winter reading challenge, is currently underway. The program features three books on the theme “being Alaskan”: Storm Boy by Paul Owen Lewis, Aleutian Sparrow by Karen Hesse, and The Trap by John Smelcer.
Good news for Alaskan authors: The Rasmuson Foundation has announced continued funding for their Individual Artist Grants. That means in addition to the grants awarded after the March 1 deadline, project applications will also be accepted for the September 1 deadline.
It has gotten great press in the Anchorage Daily News, including a review by Maia Nolan, but I’ll add my own little plug for The Ballad of Soapy Smith, playing at Cyrano’s through March 1. Expecting little more than standard tourist fare, I was impressed with the depth and power of Michael Weller’s script.
If you’ve just crawled out from your snow cave, you may have missed the release of the first of what’s reportedly one of a half-dozen or so unauthorized biographies of Alaska’s governor Sarah Palin. Author Lorenzo Benet is already dodging criticism from the illustrious Meg Stapleton, Truth Squad gestapo turned Palin Family Spokesperson. Not to worry. According to a story in the Anchorage Daily News, high-powered Washington author’s attorney Robert Barnett, who takes on only “clients who need no introduction,” is repping Palin on her own book, as yet unwritten.
There’s talk that Alaskan cruises will be a great value this season. They’re even cheaper if you sign on as a destination speaker – plus it’s a great opportunity to promote your books. If you’re interested in applying, email me at debv@gci.net.
Contributing writers (especially bloggers) are being sought for a book about Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin and her media coverage, especially pertaining to her many “gates” –trooper gate, turkey gate, bridge to no where gate, rally gate, etc. Please email pjc@dejazzd.com.
Fascinating. Is there a publisher?