I wanted be out on the wetlands for first light. It makes the best shadows, deepens the colors of frost-covered grass. But my dog needed her breakfast and me my morning coffee. It’s still early in the day when the dog and I finally arrive. Skims of ice soften the reflections off the river. Frost […]
Writing the Distance: Dan Branch Read More »
The Covid 19 pandemic is isolating Alaskan writers. We can no longer attend workshops or public readings. The coffee bars where we met with other writers are closed. To bridge these physical gaps, 49 Writers is providing this on-line forum for Alaskans writing the distance. Mar Ka starts us off with her poem, “THE WAY.”
Writing the Distance: Mar Ka Read More »
Editor’s Note: Danger Close Alaska 2020 takes place Saturday, March 7 from 11 AM–3 PM at the Anchorage Community House. Danger Close is open to the public. Registration is just $10 for members of the military, active duty, retired, reserve, and families. If you’ve participated in any of our four previous Danger Close seasons, then
Matthew Komatsu | Danger Close Alaska 2020 Read More »
Editor’s Note: Author Caroline Van Hemert is our special guest at Winter Words 2020, the 49 Writers annual fundraiser happening Sunday, February 23, 2020. Tickets is limited, but there are still some available. “It’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that way.” – Ernest
Caroline Van Hemert | Try again. And again. Read More »
In August 2017, I had one of the strangest experiences of my writing life. I opened a file in a folder associated with a novel I’d given up on five years earlier, read a few unfamiliar paragraphs, What’s this?, and then a few pages more, I know I wrote it; I just don’t remember writing it. I kept going all the way to the end of the chapter, and found myself intrigued, What the heck is going to happen next?
Andromeda Romano-Lax | Page One Rewrite, Part One Read More »
Sometimes writers need to get away from the people and things that fill their days so they can create. Each spring and fall, 49 Writers secures space at the National Shrine of Saint Therese for a writer’s retreat. The May 2019 retreat took place in The Lodge, a two-story log building that can sleep 24
Dan Branch & Katie Bausler | 49 Writers Spring Retreat Reflections Read More »
It’s been quite a #NationalPoetryMonth here, one that ran the gamut. About five minutes after I walked in the door upon returning from the AWP Conference in Portland, I learned that friend and Mat-Su-based poet Julie LeMay had passed away. She was the latest member of the writing community that we’ve lost over the years.
Jeremy Pataky | Looking Ahead and Behind During #NPM19 Read More »
Writer Marybeth Holleman is the emcee at our upcoming Mary Oliver Tribute, “Such Deep Love,” which will be held Sunday April, 21, 4-6 PM, 2019 at The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Cafe | 3956 Spenard Rd, Anchorage. Read Marybeth’s appreciation and rememberance of Mary Oliver below: Mary Oliver was not just an American poet; she
Marybeth Holleman | The Chance to Love Everything Read More »
49 Writers and the Anchorage Museum present a talk and book signing with Caroline Van Hemert on Wednesday, March 20 from 7-8:30 PM for her newly released book, a memoir that blends Alaska adventure, natural history and personal narrative. Hear stories about her 4,000-mile wilderness journey from the Pacific rainforest to the Chukchi Sea. Her research
We threw our Winter Words celebration on a rather spring-like afternoon last Sunday in Anchorage’s Stuckagain Heights neighborhood. Originally slated for December 2nd, we postponed due to—you guessed it—the November 30th earthquake. Interim Board President Barbara Hood hosted this fundraiser in her home. It was a gorgeous day with lush light, long views, and great company (not to mention stable ground). It felt
Jeremy Pataky | Winter Words Fundraiser Blossoms at the Home of Barbara Hood Read More »
