Last week, several “Resolve to Write” events were held around the State.
The event held at the Homer Public Library had a particularly lively turnout. Use of blogs was one of many topics discussed, and here are three different takes on the evening from blog posts by writers who were present. Here is Erin Hollowell’s, here is Teresa Sundmark’s, and here is Ela Harrison Gordon’s.
Wondering when 49 Writers will show up in the Valley? Wait no longer: a workshop called “Writing Your Place” begins February 2. Sign up today at www.49writingcenter.org under “Classes and Programs.” Of course, there are plenty of classes in Anchorage as well; check out the website for details.
Only three days left to apply for a fiction apprenticeship with Matt Roesch! Check out the details and submit your work sample to apprenticeship@49writingcenter.org by January 31.
Mark your calendars for our upcoming Reading and Craft talk at Metro Books on February 8, 7-8:30pm, featuring visiting author and editor Katey Schultz. Katey’s current manuscript “Flashes of War” is a collection of stories involving characters in and around the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She will read from this collection, then discuss her process for researching and writing about two countries she has never visited, military and civilian subcultures she is not a part of, and a lifestyle (in a war zone) she has never experienced. A question and answer period and book signing will conclude the evening. Katey will also be teaching a free workshop in Flash Fiction for writers ages 15-18 at Teen Underground on February 17-18. Registration is required.
For a comprehensive calendar of literary events throughout Alaska, visit http://www.alaskalitevents.com/.
Congrats to Kim Heacox, Marybeth Holleman, and Linda Schandelmeier, all selected as writers in residence at Denali National Park this summer. Congrats as well to Eowyn Ivey, whose newly-released novel The Snow Child is flying off shelves (number one in Norway, Oprah Magazine book pick, and a “Waterstones 11” – one of best debut novels of 2012 in the UK).
The Alaska Quarterly Review First Friday Series will be hosted by Jitters Café (11401 Old Glenn Hwy, Eagle River, AK) on Friday, February 3, 7–8:30 pm. The featured reader will be Jeff Silverman, reading selections from the Fall 2011 edition of the Alaska Quarterly Review. Musical Guest will be the UAA Jazz Combo, including the talents of Arkady Futerman, Chad Meyer, Carlos Alvarez, Andrea Maglinger, Sujin Scott. Brave the cold and come out for the warmth of a café among friends! Sponsored by the Alaska Quarterly Review, the AQR First Friday Series brings together creative voices in visual, performing and literary arts.
On Tuesday, January 31, 5.30pm, Juneau Arts and Humanities Council Individual Artist grant recipient Christie Namee Ericksen will talk about her spoken word projects. Juneau Arts and Humanities Council Gallery free and open to all.
On Wednesday, February 1, 4pm, Fireside Books in Palmer presents a release party for Eowyn Ivey’s The Snow Child at the historic Inn Cafe. This will be a great opportunity to meet the author, pick up your book if preordered, and get it signed.
On Thursday, February 2, 7.30pm, UAA presents Shihan the Poet. Shihan is one of the most dynamic spoken word artists of our generation. National Poetry Slam Champion (2004) and Finalist (2nd in 2001, 5th in 2003 and 3rd in 2005), he has been featured on a variety of media outlets.
UAA Fine Arts 150, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage.
Free for UAA students currently enrolled for 6 or more credits. General Public $10. High School Students: $2 at the door only. Call (907) 786 1219 for more information.
Our own Deb Vanasse will be hosting a Writers’ Workshop in Bethel this week and next. Join a published author for a short, fun, informal series of workshops on creative writing. Bring your projects, ideas, or just a willingness to explore with words. Thursday/Tuesday/Thursday, February 2, 7, and 9, 7-9pm. Cost $60. Please email vtmalone@alaska.edu right away if you are interested.
Next Friday, February 3, 7pm, poet Nicole Stellon O’Donnell will perform as part of the Midnight Sun Visiting Writer Series, Wood Center Ballroom, UAF Campus.
“Writing in the Dark,” an all-day workshop sponsored by the Fairbanks Arts Association, is designed to help generate new material and rejuvenate your writing. It will be held at the Four Winds Foundation in Fairbanks on Saturday, February 11, 9-4. Poet John Morgan will be leading the workshop this year. For more information or to sign up, visit the Arts Association website–click on Literary Arts and scroll down.
From Vivian Faith Prescott: Euterpe, the Young Adult imprint of Musa Publishing, is excited to announce its second Quarterly Young Adult Short Story-Writing Contest of 2012. The contest is always open to authors aged 11-21. The theme for the second quarter is “Fantasy.” Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2012. Prize is publication of the winning stories by Musa Books. See their website for full details.
The Fairbanks Arts Association is accepting entries for the 18th Annual Statewide Poetry Contest. Deadline for entries is February 6. Winners will be invited to read at a scheduled event in their honor on March 10, 5pm. Entries accepted in Adult, High School, and Middle and Elementary School Categories. Go to their homepage, and scroll down a little for full details.
The UAA/ADN 30th Annual Statewide Creative Writing Contest is open for entries from Alaska residents. Deadline: Sunday February 12. See the ADN website for full details.
Rich Chiappone recommends this article from Salon.com, on the agony of the male novelist.
Deb Vanasse shares this link to an interview with Alaska author Clif Bates.
Love the good report from Homer!