A reminder to writers in Southeast Alaska: 49 Writers is headed your way, and we’d love to meet with you at one of our no-host Writers Gatherings. Come catch the excitement, tell us about your writing, and share ideas about how we can better serve your area. In Ketchikan: Monday, Nov. 15, 4:30-5:30 pm at The Point (across the parking lot from the Plaza Mall in the new condo complex on the water). In Sitka: Thursday, Nov. 18 at 9 am Smith Street Cafe (215 Smith Street — formerly the Grind Cafe). In Juneau: Saturday, Nov. 20, 2 pm, Silverbow Café, 2nd St. For all gatherings, please RSVP with Deb at 49writers@gmail.com or 907-388-9303. There’s also still time to sign up for our free courses in Sitka (Nov. 17) and Juneau (Nov. 20). Our thanks to the librarians in Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau for making all of this possible.
Tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., come to the UAA Campus Bookstore for “Writing My Story: Memoirs of Alaska Native Writers.” Join Lucy Daniels and Burton Haviland Jr., contributors to the anthology “Purely Alaska
Daniels, Haviland and other writers will lead a conversation on ideas for writing your own life story, from tales of daily life, to handling sensitive topics; from passing on cultural traditions, to just getting started on your story. Book signing and refreshments will follow.
The event is part of Alaska Native Heritage Month, and is sponsored by Alaska Center for the Book, the UAA Campus Bookstore, and the Alaska Native Heritage Month Committee.
Free admission and parking. For information, call (907) 764-1604 or e-mail carolben@gci.net
Also tomorrow, Saturday November 13th, at 1:00pm at Barnes & Noble, 200 East Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK, the exciting ladies from Pulpwood Queens Book Group share their love of reading during an extra special storytime the second Saturday of every month. Don’t miss it!
On Sunday, November 14th,at 1:00pm, Hearthside Books is pleased to welcome back Ray Troll, fishy artist from Ketchikan. Ray will present his new book, Something Fishy this Way Comes: The Artwork of Ray Troll.
On the same day (Sunday November 14th), in the same place, at 6:00pm, join Hearthside for their 4th Annual Holiday Event. Featuring: Local authors with new titles, Discounted Holiday Catalog Titles, Refreshments, Live Music, Doorprizes.
On Tuesday November 16, at 11:00am, come to UAA Campus Bookstore, for The Tatilek Production of ‘A Native Lad.’ Presented by Sarah Hurst. This event is a part of Alaska Native/Native American Heritage Month. This is a UAA Campus Bookstore event and parking is free. 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska
Also on Tuesday, November 16, at 5:30pm at Barnes & Noble, 200 East Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK, there will be a book signing with Sue Henry, the award-winning author of dozens of Alaska mystery novels, including her books Murder on the Iditarod Trail
Later that same day, in the same location, at 7:00pm, the Alaska Writers Guild’s popular writers’ group meets (and on the third Tuesday of every month.) Join them at the fireside from 7-8:30pm, where you’re sure to enjoy this month’s special guest speaker.
On Wednesday, November 17th, at 11:00am, (and every Wednesday), there is a “Write For Your Life” group at Mendenhall Valley library, Juneau. Share a journal, memoir, a letter or poetry. Details: Dixie, 907.789.2068.
On Wednesday, November 17, at 7:00pm at Out North, 3800 DeBarr Road, Anchorage, AK 99508-2011, and on the third Wednesday of each month is featured Poetry Parley, a free poetry event. A different well-known poet is celebrated each month (this month: Emily Dickinson), as well as a local poet who reads their own original work.
On Thursday, November 18, at 7pm, come to Z. J. Loussac Public Library, Wilda Marston Theatre, level one for A Celebration of A Native Lad: Benny Benson Tells Alaska’s Story. Author Sarah Hurst and cartoonists Shanley McCauley, Lee Post and Evon Zerbetz discuss the collaborative effort in the creation of the graphic novel A Native Lad: Benny Benson Tells Alaska’s Story with the guidance of moderator John Weddleton, the owner of Boscov’s Comics. KNBA newscaster Joaquin Estrus will feature with a group reading of a scene about an Alaska school segregation case from Hurst’s original play, which is the inspiration for the book. Vocalist Sandy Cunningham will open the festivities with her performance of the Alaska Flag Song. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This event is in celebration of Alaska Native Heritage Month and is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
On Thursday-Saturday, November 18-20th, at 10:00am at Fireside Books, 720 S Alaska Street, Palmer, Alaska: “Customer Appreciation Days” celebration. Treats, specials, and prizes. You can be the first to sign up for the new Customer Rewards Program that allows you to earn Book Bucks for every new book purchase! And on Saturday, Nov. 20 we’ll have the Blues! The Valley’s Blues Phenomenon, Forest Wilson, will be here to serenade our customers at noon.
Also in Juneau, also on Wednesday November 17th, at 5:30pm, the Adaptation Book Club begin an exploration of books adapted to movies. This month they’ll read Persepolis (Complete) by Marjane Satrapi and then watch the film (10/20) and discuss the process, what makes or breaks an adaptation. 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays through December. Call (907) 586-0442 for more info. Douglas Library.
Sandra Kleven was recently featured in a reading for Cirque Journal in Bellingham, WA. The podcast is now live at http://poetrynight.org/ under Podcast, “11-08-10, part 2, feature Cirque Lit Journal.”
For the first time ever, Alaskan teenagers will have the opportunity to compete in the writing portion of the national Alliance for Young Artists and Writers competition!
F Magazine is the statewide affiliate, and is accepting submissions now.
Teenagers, grades 7-12 can submit as many pieces they like, in a number of categories:
• Journalism
• Personal essay/memoir
• Poetry
• Novel writing
• Science fiction/fantasy
• Short story
… And more!
Statewide winners will have their work showcased at the MTS Gallery in Anchorage and published in a special issue of F Magazine. Their work will then go on to the national competition, where they will have a chance to be published in a national publication and win thousands of dollars in scholarships.
Deadline is Jan. 7, 2011!
For more information contact F Magazine: FHideout@gmail.com
907.244.6252
For writing competition: www.artandwriting.org/Affiliate/AK001W