It’s happened again: 49 Writers director Deb Vanasse has been asked to speak on the subject of humor. This time it’s at the North Words Writers Symposium in Skagway, in session this week, and she’s better prepared than the first time, when she had to address a national conference as a newly minted author with one novel wasn’t funny in the least. Still, she wishes Bruce Hale’s course “Funny Business: Seven Secrets to Writing Humor” had come a little sooner.
Hale’s workshop is nearly full, but there’s room for a few more: June 16, 7 p.m., 645 W. Third Avenue. Hale encourages participants to bring a page of writing that they’d like to recraft with a humorous slant. Register today to make sure you get a seat. Seats are also still available for the upcoming intensive “Memoir Weekend with Kim Rich,” which begins June 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Welcome to the world! Atticus Rearden, son of 49 Writers Board president Don Rearden, arrived May 29. A more limited but no less hearty welcome to screenwriter James McLain, 49 Writers featured author for June, along with many thanks to Fairbanks author Gerri Brightwell for her featured posts in May.
Kudos to Alaska poet Tom Sexton, whose new book I Think Again of Those Ancient Chinese Poets was highlighted in Dana Jennings’ recent New York Times article “Five Poets Seasoned by Life.” “A former poet laureate of Alaska,” Jennings writes, “he revels in the natural: river otters and Arctic char, sedge wrens and yellow warblers, witch hazel and the wolves of Denali. He’s an atavistic avatar of how to look hard yet write simply.”
Today, Friday June 3rd at 7pm, the Spenard Jazz Fest kicks off at the Alaska Dance Theater. You can catch a preview of the Poetry extravaganza to be offered on day 6. (Next item.)
“Live and Moving: Poets in Full Meter” Thursday, June 9 at 7pm (aim to arrive around 6.30pm). Hugi-Lewis Studio, 108 W. Northern Lights Boulevard, Anchorage.
Seventeen poets on the tip of your tongue. Taste. Slurp. Toast. Poems memorializing John Haines will introduce eight crafted schematics. Functions will shift, braiding music and movement with the work of the poets in theme houses, such as protest, witness, love and loss, mother (and all she’s done), and other (often mystical) phenomena. Curated by Sandra Kleven. Assistant Curator: Elizabeth Thompson; Creative Consultant: Gabrielle Barnet; Partner: Teeka A. Ballas; Publisher F. Magazine. Central Committee Members: Michelle Stephens, Joshua Lopez.
Tickets: $15/$10/passes/punch cards
The new issue of F Magazine is on the stands, featuring the work of the winners of their first ever Statewide Writing Competition. To accompany their talent, the issue features the craft of fantastic photographers and artists from around the state.
Congratulations to the winners: D.C. McKenzie, Hedy McGee, Derek Chivers, Matthew Morse, Jonna Laster, Joan Cullinane, Scott Rhode, Cheyenne Jones, Mary Kudenov, Nikki Allen, John McKay.
On Sunday June 5 at 2pm, Talis Colberg and Charlie Hayes discuss Justice for Hedgehogs
by Ronald Dworkin as part of the “Bad Coffee Lecture Series” at Fireside Books, Palmer.
by Ronald Dworkin as part of the “Bad Coffee Lecture Series” at Fireside Books, Palmer.Poetry Parley is coming up again, on Wednesday June 15. This month’s featured poet is Rumi and readers are being sought. Please contact Jonathan Minton if you would like to read. The month’s local poet has not been picked yet either, so if you or someone you know is interested and available, please let Jonathan know.
The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference, featuring keynote speaker Rita Dove, is just round the corner, beginning Friday June 10 (registration begins at 3pm).
The Festival of Readings associated with the Conference is free and open to the public, as follows:
On Saturday, June 11 at 8pm, Rita Dove will present at the High School, Mariner Theater, Homer. The Festival of Readings continues on Sunday 12th, 8pm at Alice’s Champagne Palace, Homer, featuring Nickole Brown, LeAnne Howe, Heather Lende, Peggy Shumaker, Frank Soos and Sherry Simpson, and on Monday 13th, at 5.15pm at Land’s End Resort, Homer, featuring Mike Burwell, Rich Chiappone, Ann Coray and Nancy Lord, and at 8pm featuring Brenda Miller, Hannah Tinti, Eva Saulitis, Donna Jo Napoli, Rigoberto Gonzalez and Matt Roesch.
Also associated with the Conference is Ann Coray’s Youth Writing Workshop on Friday June 10 at 9am, at the Kachemak Bay Campus, Homer, aimed at students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade.
The Summer 2011 issue of Flashquake is live. It features 80 pages of flash fiction, flash nonfiction, short poetry, contest haibun, two artist interviews, artwork and a new From the Editor’s Desk section. Many of the editors are members of the UAA MFA program.
Dani Haviland’s first published book is available on preview (can be viewed on any electronic device). Dances Naked
is the story of Marty Melbourne, the time-traveling fairy and his family and friends in Revolutionary War ear Cherokee territory, North Carolina.
is the story of Marty Melbourne, the time-traveling fairy and his family and friends in Revolutionary War ear Cherokee territory, North Carolina.A reminder that the Wrangell Mountains Writing Workshops are coming up: there will be two this year. July 24-30 will be “Wild Comfort:” Creative Nonfiction with Kathleen Dean Moore.
August 12-18 will be “Splendor and Slag: Towards an Honest Conversation with Place:” Poetry with Elizabeth Bradfield.
Space is limited and there are early bird registration discounts, so strike soon! Contact Jeremy Pataky with any questions: 907 244 7717.