Ode to a Dead Salmon, our very own bad writing contest, is back this year, and we’ve already received our first entry. So summon your fishy muse, take a look at the guidelines, and send your best bad writing to 49writers@gmail.com by August 15. Attack that fish from any angle – fun, fanciful, political, environmental, or just plain awful. The winner gets an autographed T-shirt chosen from well-known Alaskan artist (and author!) Ray Troll’s collection.
We’ve got one spot left in what promises to be one of the best writing events in Alaska this year: the Sept. 3-5 49 Writers Tutka Bay Retreat with David Vann. If you want to snag it (sorry – another dead fish allusion), sign up today. Questions? Email us at 49writers@gmail.com. We’re also arranging Vann’s Anchorage reading and book signing at Metro Books from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2. Stay tuned, too, for word on a possible pre-retreat event with David Vann in Seldovia.
In other 49 Writers news, watch for the launching of both our new website and our fall term instructional schedule next month. And if that’s not enough, we’re gearing up for our next 49 Writers online book club discussion – in a week or two, we’ll be asking your thoughts on which book to feature.
The Alaska Writers Conference, hosted by the Alaska Writers Guild, is coming closer, set to take place September 10th, 11th, 12th. After July 31st, the registration cost will go up $20, so visit their website and sign up!
In the second half of August, Alaskan Fiddler-Poet Ken Waldman, who says it’s hard to know where’s home anymore, will be in-state and making a number of appearances.
Thursday, August 19th, 1pm Concert, Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center
Monday, August 23rd, 11am Signing, Museum of the North, Fairbanks
Tuesday, August 24th, 10pm Show, Denali Salmon Bake in Denali National Park
Thursday, August 26th, 5.30pm Show, Alaska State Fair in Palmer
Friday and Saturday, August 27th and 28th Concert, Workshop and more, Wrangell Mountains Center, McCarthy
Monday August 30th, 5pm UAA Bookstore presents event at Consortium Library, UAA Campus, Anchorage
Alaska writer Clif Bates recommends this website: http://literature-map.com/. He says, ‘Just type an author’s name in and it will give you a map of authors of a similar/related nature. It’s interesting and sometimes helps find new authors to read.’
Check out Publishers’ Weekly for a story of how the self-publishing company FastPencil has been adding movers and shakers to its board of directors, developing a new imprint and recruiting established authors.