Ela: 49 Writers Weekly Round-up

Wait — it’s Friday. Wait again — it’s FIRST Friday. That means gallery openings and free food in downtown Anchorage — as well as our contributing literary event on the Raven Place porch, at 415 L St next to Snow City Cafe. Stop by from 6 to 8 p.m. to meet Sherry Eckrich of the Ten Poets and co-author of “50 Poems for Alaska.”

Congratulations to Jeremy Pataky, Vice-President of the 49 Writers’ board, for winning first place in the ‘Open to the Public Poetry’ Category in the UAA/Anchorage Daily News Creative Writing Contest with his poem ‘Post-Fire Succession!’ The list of all winners will be published in the Saturday, August 8th edition of the Anchorage Daily News, and on their website. Over the next few weeks, all winning entries will be posted on Litsite Alaska.

Jeremy had a lot of competition for that contest. Not so much for our — so far — only Ode to a Dead Salmon competitor. We’ve received one impressive ode, but we need more. Come on, pull on those waders and get writing. The deadline is August 15.

Maybe you just need more writing inspiration. If so, you’ve come to the right place. Early next week, we’ll be unveiling our new website and our complete fall instructional lineup of clinics, workshops, and longer courses. Stay tuned. Also note that if you waited and missed signing up for the David Vann retreat, you can still hear him speak at Metro Books on September 2, 6:30 to 8.

Be aware that the submissions deadline for Cirque‘s Winter Solstice edition is coming up on September 21st. See the Submissions page on their website for full guidelines. Send inquiries and electronic submissions to cirquejournal@yahoo.com.

The Alaska Writers Conference, hosted by the Alaska Writers Guild, is coming closer, set to take place September 10th, 11th, 12th.

On this light news day, we’d like to make note of this recent post by blogger-friend Moonrat with an insider’s look at the pros and cons of several kinds of publishing: big house, small/indie, and self-publishing. She makes good points about why you might not want the biggest pub house after all, and why self-publishing has a bad rep — but doesn’t have to. Always good to hear candid appraisals from someone who has worked in every sector. Have a good weekend!