The most exciting literary news this week is the publication of The Detour, the second novel of 49 Writers co-founder, Andromeda Romano-Lax, which takes place in Italy in the days leading up to World War II. Booklist calls it “a gently haunting work of subtle and surprising wisdom” and Library Journal describes the author as “singularly gifted.” We wish Andromeda every success with this intriguing work, a worthy successor to The Spanish Bow, her impressive debut in fiction.
Andromeda is teaching one of our weekly spring courses: “Plot: Harnessing the Power of Story” begins on February 23 and ends on March 8. If you are interested in learning more about the secrets of plot from an accomplished writer, sign up at the 49 Writers website. And check out Andromeda’s recent post to this blog entitled “Psssst…got plot?“
You can also catch Andromeda on KSKA’s “Hometown Alaska” on February 22 at 2 pm, before coming to our Crosscurrents event at the Anchorage Museum on February 22 at 7 pm, when Andromeda will be holding an on-stage conversation with new Alaskan novelist Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child.
Write Young Alaska (WYAK) is looking for teen volunteers! Our multi-faceted teen advisory council brainstorms ideas, shares feedback, and spreads the word about WYAK activities. We also edit Alaska Out Loud, help run youth writing contests, and design exciting events for young Alaskan writers.
Interested in joining us or know anybody who might be a good fit? Just fill out the WYAK volunteer form and tell us a little more about yourself and your specific interests.
Interested in joining us or know anybody who might be a good fit? Just fill out the WYAK volunteer form and tell us a little more about yourself and your specific interests.
Don’t forget that submissions for the WYAK haiku contest, “Love/Anti-Love” are due on February 19. The best haiku in each age category will be published in a print anthology later this spring.
The podcast of our January Synergies event with Alaska State Writer Laureate Peggy Shumaker and musician Robin Child is now available on the 49 Writers website. Hear Peggy read from her latest collection of poetry, Gnawed Bones, and a selection of readings from the first works published by the new Alaska Literary Series of the University of Alaska Press, to be launched at the end of February at the AWP Conference and Bookfair in Chicago.
Ever thought about joining a writing group? Title Wave Books hosts a Writers Critique Group on Saturdays, 10 am to 1 pm, at 1360 W. Northern Lights Boulevard. The group is open to any type of writing or genre and all levels are welcome. For more information, call Mary at (907) 569-5075.
If you would like your group listed in the Roundup, please email 49 Writers with the name of the group, the date and time, and brief descriptions
Dana Stabenow is back! On Monday February 20, 3.30pm, Dana will be signing copies of her latest book in the Kate Shugak series, Restless in the Grave. Fireside Books, 720 S. Alaska St, Palmer.
On Tuesday, February 21, 5.30pm, UAA faculty Cathy Sullivan will facilitate a conversation about “Healthcare Challenges for the Working Poor.” UAA/APU Books of the Year partners with Loussac Library to co-host the “Conversation Salon Series,” a series of discussions around the theme of “The Working Poor.” The sessions are moderated by UAA faculty and are not presentations, but opportunities for attendees to discuss issues relevant to themselves and the community. Contact Christina Gheen, (907) 786-6374, for more information. Loussac Library, 3600 Denali, Anchorage, AK
On Thursday, February 23, 5-7pm, there will be a panel discussion on Climate Changes: Alaska, the Arctic, and our Global Environment at the UAA Campus Bookstore. Panelists Raymond Anthony (Philosophy), Walter Parker (with 55 years governing Alaska’s environmental issues) and Richard Steiner (Environmental Sustainability Consulting/Oasis Earth) discuss future developments of the Arctic. See the website for more information.
You’re invited to read Martin Luther King Jr’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and gather at Fireside Books in Palmer on Saturday February 25, 4pm to discuss the questions it raises about racial equality then and now.
On Saturday, February 25, 5-7pm, The UAA Poetry Club will host the fourth of six V.O.I.C.E Youth open mic’s in the UAA Student Union Den, as part of UAA Student Union & Commuter Student Service’s Winterfest 2012. Jaystone will be the fourth featured reader, and Ilina Sauceda will serve as youth co-host for this event. Both have been active members of the Young Writers Venue Development Committee and Jaystone served as the youth co-host for our first Youth Open Mic at Indigo Tea Lounge in November. The Youth Open Mic will be followed by an All Ages Poetry Slam. Contact Brian Hutton 907 350 4580 for further info.
If you didn’t catch it yesterday, make sure to check out David Marusek’s guest post on his launch as an e-publisher. Lots to learn for writers and readers alike, and links to some free downloads of David’s stories also.
Can hate, even self-loathing, be necessary to love? Kodiak writer Leslie Leyland Fields finds out after an ocean wave knocks her down. There is hope for these crooked hearts of ours, she says. Visit her new blog.
For a comprehensive calendar of literary events throughout Alaska, visit http://www.alaskalitevents.com/.
I'm very happy I found this blog, and I'll go check out David's post.