Years ago, I attended an event where I looked forward to meeting a literary agent. Having recently parted ways with my own agent, I thought it might be a good chance to pitch my work-in-progress, a novel featuring Hester Prynne’s daughter, Pearl, from Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. As the event unfolded, I became more […]
Deb Vanasse | Like Minds Read More »
I recently entered one of my favorite phases of the writing cycle—sharing a manuscript in draft with a group of trusted readers. It’s always satisfying to reach this significant juncture in a novel’s evolution. But I get even more excited about turning my thoughts to what to write next. Most of us have no
Deb Vanasse | What to Write Read More »
SOUTHCENTRAL ANCHORAGE | June 27, 7 pm |49 Writers and Alaska Humanities Forum are proud to present the third Danger Close Alaska 2018, the third year of joint 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 a month for six
Literary Roundup | June 22-28, 2018 Read More »
Fresh off a round of revisions and out for review to a set of trusted readers, my most recent novel features a ghost. Though something of a departure to me, the ghost has been fun to write. I understand now the draw of speculative writing, and I see why literary authors like George Saunders, Jesmyn
Deb Vanasse | The Ghost in Your Story Read More »
Happy Friday! I’m still reflecting on the fabulous camaraderie and inspiration of the North Words Writers Symposium last week. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones. 49 Writers grew a bit too with new members, so if you’re just joining us, welcome! 49 Writers board member Katie Bausler has continued her work
Literary Roundup | June 8-14, 2018 Read More »
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
Deb Vanasse | Author Resources: Diversity Read More »
For what seems a long time, I’ve been revising a novel. I blame my country for this, as I’m devoting a big chunk of my life to community organizing. Right now, it feels like the world needs an American reset more than it needs my novel. This doesn’t mean I’ve lost my sense of
Deb Vanasse | Revision Tips Read More »
Continued from part II. THE FINAL UPLOAD Only a few more steps and my 2002 out-of-print travel narrative, Searching for Steinbeck’s Sea of Cortez, would be available to e-readers. I did not use the “Kindle Create” feature, now available at Amazon’s KDP, for example, so I can’t speak to its ability to ease the chore
Continued from part I Assured, thanks to a simple phone call to my publisher, that the basic rights for my 2002 book, Searching for Steinbeck’s Sea of Cortez, had reverted to me, I had other things to consider, like interior design or any other artwork. Unlike the text, I discovered, those weren’t mine to use.
Back in Print, Part II: Re-publishing your out-of-print book in digital format, a series Read More »
Part 1 of 3 My favorite book is the one I’m writing, or even better, the one I plan to write after that. There is nothing more artfully conceived and less commercially sullied than the book that has existed only in one’s mind. Given that I prefer to dwell on my future books, you might
