Tonight’s
the night! The Write-a-thon at Snow City Café, 5:30–10:30 p.m. Thanks to you, we’ve raised around $5,000 so far.
In the past 24 hours alone, we’ve raised nearly $1,500. A tremendous thank you
to all those already registered and their supporters. If you haven’t
registered, it’s not too late to sign up. Online registration for $10 is
available until the event starts. On-site registration is $30.
the night! The Write-a-thon at Snow City Café, 5:30–10:30 p.m. Thanks to you, we’ve raised around $5,000 so far.
In the past 24 hours alone, we’ve raised nearly $1,500. A tremendous thank you
to all those already registered and their supporters. If you haven’t
registered, it’s not too late to sign up. Online registration for $10 is
available until the event starts. On-site registration is $30.
Participants
will spend the night writing for four hours, nine minutes. They’ll be treated
to food, drinks, and encouragement. Write-a-thon MC Jonathan Bower will draw hourly for prizes for all fundraisers. Everyone can win something–from a bag of
coffee to a signed copy of Susanna Mishler’s new book. The top fundraisers will
all receive sizable gift cards from local restaurants. As of now, the top three
overall fundraisers are: Danielle Latuga, $775; Deb Vanasse; $325; Debbie
LaFleiche,$275. All supporters have raised an average of $110 each. Thanks for
the awesome work!
will spend the night writing for four hours, nine minutes. They’ll be treated
to food, drinks, and encouragement. Write-a-thon MC Jonathan Bower will draw hourly for prizes for all fundraisers. Everyone can win something–from a bag of
coffee to a signed copy of Susanna Mishler’s new book. The top fundraisers will
all receive sizable gift cards from local restaurants. As of now, the top three
overall fundraisers are: Danielle Latuga, $775; Deb Vanasse; $325; Debbie
LaFleiche,$275. All supporters have raised an average of $110 each. Thanks for
the awesome work!
Write-a-thon
proceeds help us to continue our programs for writers, to offer literary events
to the community, and to maintain this blog as a go-to resource for Alaska’s
writers. All donations are tax deductible. We couldn’t do this without you.
Thanks for your support! If you have any questions, email us at write-a-thon@49writingcenter.org.”
proceeds help us to continue our programs for writers, to offer literary events
to the community, and to maintain this blog as a go-to resource for Alaska’s
writers. All donations are tax deductible. We couldn’t do this without you.
Thanks for your support! If you have any questions, email us at write-a-thon@49writingcenter.org.”
In honor of National Poetry Month, Anchorage poet Emily Kurn will be on
site at the Write-a-thon prompting writers to compose a salmon haiku for the
Salmon Project. Writing, food, coffee, salmon haikus, prizes, why wouldn’t you
come?
site at the Write-a-thon prompting writers to compose a salmon haiku for the
Salmon Project. Writing, food, coffee, salmon haikus, prizes, why wouldn’t you
come?
Thanks to everyone who came out on
Monday night for the Crosscurrents conversation and reading with Louis Alberto
Urrea and Brian Fiero. Urrea captivated the audience with a reading from his
latest novel, Queen of America. He told stories about growing up in Tiajuana
and the early influences on his writing career. “The border is a metaphor for
what separates us. It’s everywhere.”
Monday night for the Crosscurrents conversation and reading with Louis Alberto
Urrea and Brian Fiero. Urrea captivated the audience with a reading from his
latest novel, Queen of America. He told stories about growing up in Tiajuana
and the early influences on his writing career. “The border is a metaphor for
what separates us. It’s everywhere.”
There are five slots still open for
this year’s Tutka Bay Writers Retreat with Carolyn Forché, Sept. 5-7.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Click here for more information and to register. See more of Carolyn in this video, in which she delivers the Blaney Lecture on the Poetry of
Witness at Poets Forum 2013.
this year’s Tutka Bay Writers Retreat with Carolyn Forché, Sept. 5-7.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Click here for more information and to register. See more of Carolyn in this video, in which she delivers the Blaney Lecture on the Poetry of
Witness at Poets Forum 2013.
49 Writers author events coming up in
April and May:
April and May:
•
Thursday, Apr. 24, 7pm, Great Harvest Bread Co., Anchorage: Reading & Craft Talk
with Elise Patkotak, “The World of Self-Publishing and Why.”
Thursday, Apr. 24, 7pm, Great Harvest Bread Co., Anchorage: Reading & Craft Talk
with Elise Patkotak, “The World of Self-Publishing and Why.”
•
Saturday, Apr. 26,
9am-12pm, Anchorage:
Digital tools for the Creative Writer, a class with Lawrence Weiss.
Saturday, Apr. 26,
9am-12pm, Anchorage:
Digital tools for the Creative Writer, a class with Lawrence Weiss.
• Wednesday, May 14 & Saturday,
May 17, Anchorage
Museum: “The Pressure is Off: Independent Publishing Options for Writers” with
Dana Stabenow and Deb Vanasse.
May 17, Anchorage
Museum: “The Pressure is Off: Independent Publishing Options for Writers” with
Dana Stabenow and Deb Vanasse.
Saturday, Apr. 12, 7pm, Poetry Reading
with Winners of Annual Statewide Poetry Contest. Winners from three categories
(Adult, High School, and Middle & Elementary) will share their works at
this free event in the Bear Gallery.
with Winners of Annual Statewide Poetry Contest. Winners from three categories
(Adult, High School, and Middle & Elementary) will share their works at
this free event in the Bear Gallery.
Monday,
Apr. 14, 6:30pm, the Juneau Public Library will welcome author Kim
Heacox to talk about his newest book “John Muir and the Ice that Started a
Fire. This event is part of the ongoing celebration this year of the 50th
Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.
Apr. 14, 6:30pm, the Juneau Public Library will welcome author Kim
Heacox to talk about his newest book “John Muir and the Ice that Started a
Fire. This event is part of the ongoing celebration this year of the 50th
Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.
Wednesday Apr. 16, 7pm, Poetry Parley
is featuring Alaskan poet Emily Kurn for the month of April. This free poetry
event takes place every third Wednesday of the month at the Hugi-Lewis Studio,
1008 W. Northern Lights Blvd. The marquee poet is Alison Hawthorne Deming.
is featuring Alaskan poet Emily Kurn for the month of April. This free poetry
event takes place every third Wednesday of the month at the Hugi-Lewis Studio,
1008 W. Northern Lights Blvd. The marquee poet is Alison Hawthorne Deming.
The UAA campus bookstore has several
literary events this month:
literary events this month:
· Wednesday Apr. 16, 5-7:00
pm, Researching Alaska with Ann Fienup-Riordan, Willie Igglagruk
Hensley, and Kate Ringsmuth will share insights on how to connect, research and
uncover Alaska’s past.
pm, Researching Alaska with Ann Fienup-Riordan, Willie Igglagruk
Hensley, and Kate Ringsmuth will share insights on how to connect, research and
uncover Alaska’s past.
· Thursday Apr. 17, 5-7:00 pm UAA Creative Writing students from the undergraduate English
department will read from their work. Everyone is invited to attend and explore
the voices of multiple genres.
department will read from their work. Everyone is invited to attend and explore
the voices of multiple genres.
· Monday Apr. 21, 5-7:00 pm poet John Morgan
and artist Kesler Woodward present River of Light. Morgan’s River of Light: A
Conversation with Kabir, from University of Alaska Press, is based on a trip
down the Copper River. Alongside the artwork by Alaskan artist Kesler Woodward,
River of Light folds words, sounds, and color into being.
and artist Kesler Woodward present River of Light. Morgan’s River of Light: A
Conversation with Kabir, from University of Alaska Press, is based on a trip
down the Copper River. Alongside the artwork by Alaskan artist Kesler Woodward,
River of Light folds words, sounds, and color into being.
Saturday Apr. 12, 7pm, Fairbanks Arts
Association presents a reading by the winners of the Statewide Poetry Contest,
at the Bear Gallery, third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts,
Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way.
Association presents a reading by the winners of the Statewide Poetry Contest,
at the Bear Gallery, third floor of the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts,
Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way.
Saturday Apr. 26, 7pm, UAF English
Department will host their annual public reading of Masters in Creative Writing
candidates, in the Fairbanks Art Association Bear Gallery, third floor of the
Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts, Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way.
Department will host their annual public reading of Masters in Creative Writing
candidates, in the Fairbanks Art Association Bear Gallery, third floor of the
Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts, Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way.
Creative nonfiction writers won’t
want to miss Writing Down the Wild, a three-day workshop, April 25-27 at Prince William Sound Community College. This is a
non-credit community workshop taught by Alaskan nature and wilderness writer
Bill Sherwonit. This course will examine and practice the steps necessary to
powerful and effective nature writing and will include time outdoors in the
local landscape, along with readings and discussions. There’s a limit of 12
students, so don’t delay. Register at PWSCC.
want to miss Writing Down the Wild, a three-day workshop, April 25-27 at Prince William Sound Community College. This is a
non-credit community workshop taught by Alaskan nature and wilderness writer
Bill Sherwonit. This course will examine and practice the steps necessary to
powerful and effective nature writing and will include time outdoors in the
local landscape, along with readings and discussions. There’s a limit of 12
students, so don’t delay. Register at PWSCC.
Celebrate the Bard’s birthday at
Shakespeare’s Sonnets, a reading celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday and of
Poetry Month, Saturday Apr. 26 2-4:00pm at
the Ann Stevens Room in the Loussac Library. There’s plenty of time for you to
practice your favorite sonnet, and perhaps don a costume?
Shakespeare’s Sonnets, a reading celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday and of
Poetry Month, Saturday Apr. 26 2-4:00pm at
the Ann Stevens Room in the Loussac Library. There’s plenty of time for you to
practice your favorite sonnet, and perhaps don a costume?
Alaska Center for the Book is seeking nominations
for its annual Contributions to Literacy in Alaska (CLIA) Awards. Nominations
are due April 30, 2014. The awards
recognize people and institutions that have made a significant contribution in
literacy, the literary arts, or the preservation of the written or spoken word
in Alaska. Previous CLIA award winners include librarians, teachers, writers,
tutors, historians, booksellers, reading programs, web sites and others
dedicated to making the world a better place through the gift of language. More
than 60 people and organizations have been honored over the past 22 years. The
nomination form and information on past winners is available at www.alaskacenterforthebook.org. For
more information on the contest, call (907) 764-1604 or e-mail carolben@gci.net
for its annual Contributions to Literacy in Alaska (CLIA) Awards. Nominations
are due April 30, 2014. The awards
recognize people and institutions that have made a significant contribution in
literacy, the literary arts, or the preservation of the written or spoken word
in Alaska. Previous CLIA award winners include librarians, teachers, writers,
tutors, historians, booksellers, reading programs, web sites and others
dedicated to making the world a better place through the gift of language. More
than 60 people and organizations have been honored over the past 22 years. The
nomination form and information on past winners is available at www.alaskacenterforthebook.org. For
more information on the contest, call (907) 764-1604 or e-mail carolben@gci.net
Poems in Place is
extending their open call for poetry until April 30. Poems in Place is collaboration between Alaska Center for the Book, Alaska
State Parks, and a committee of poets, writers, and Alaska residents. The
project will place a poem by an
Alaskan writer in each of the seven regions of the Alaska State Park’s system
in the coming years. Both original work and nominated poems submitted by
appreciative readers will be considered for Independence Mine State Historical Park, near Palmer, and Lake Aleknagik State Recreation Site/ Wood
Tikchik State Park, near Dillingham. No submission fees. An honorarium will
be paid to the winning poets. See http://www.alaskacenterforthebook.org
for more information, contest rules and entry form. To see examples of
current Poems in Place signs visit the Alaska State Parks website:
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/misc/poemplace.htm
extending their open call for poetry until April 30. Poems in Place is collaboration between Alaska Center for the Book, Alaska
State Parks, and a committee of poets, writers, and Alaska residents. The
project will place a poem by an
Alaskan writer in each of the seven regions of the Alaska State Park’s system
in the coming years. Both original work and nominated poems submitted by
appreciative readers will be considered for Independence Mine State Historical Park, near Palmer, and Lake Aleknagik State Recreation Site/ Wood
Tikchik State Park, near Dillingham. No submission fees. An honorarium will
be paid to the winning poets. See http://www.alaskacenterforthebook.org
for more information, contest rules and entry form. To see examples of
current Poems in Place signs visit the Alaska State Parks website:
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/misc/poemplace.htm
The Alaska State Council on the
Arts, in partnership with the Alaska Arts & Culture Foundation, is holding
its 2014 statewide arts conference, Latitude: 2014 Alaska
Arts Convergence on May 1-3 in Anchorage.
This conference will offer opportunities for artists and arts professionals
from throughout Alaska to network, learn valuable skills, participate in
artistic activities and think big about the future of the arts in Alaska. This
convergence is for arts professionals, artists, arts educators, volunteers,
board members, and cross-sector leaders interested in how the arts can support
Alaskans and Alaskan communities. $250 registration.
Arts, in partnership with the Alaska Arts & Culture Foundation, is holding
its 2014 statewide arts conference, Latitude: 2014 Alaska
Arts Convergence on May 1-3 in Anchorage.
This conference will offer opportunities for artists and arts professionals
from throughout Alaska to network, learn valuable skills, participate in
artistic activities and think big about the future of the arts in Alaska. This
convergence is for arts professionals, artists, arts educators, volunteers,
board members, and cross-sector leaders interested in how the arts can support
Alaskans and Alaskan communities. $250 registration.
The
Extreme Weather Mystery Readers Journal 30:2 will focus on Crime Fiction that
takes place or involves Extreme Weather (snow, hurricane, blizzard, sand storm,
etc.). They are looking for articles, reviews, & author essays. Author
essays: 500-1500 words, first person, about yourself, your books & the
“Extreme Weather” connection. The deadline is May 1, 2014. email
janet@mysteryreaders.org for more info.
Extreme Weather Mystery Readers Journal 30:2 will focus on Crime Fiction that
takes place or involves Extreme Weather (snow, hurricane, blizzard, sand storm,
etc.). They are looking for articles, reviews, & author essays. Author
essays: 500-1500 words, first person, about yourself, your books & the
“Extreme Weather” connection. The deadline is May 1, 2014. email
janet@mysteryreaders.org for more info.
Attention Alaskan writers! 360North’s new statewide television series, “Writers’ Showcase,” is looking for fiction and creative non-fiction for their June 5th live recording. Submission deadline is Friday May 2. Inspired by NPR’s “Selected Shorts,” the show uses actors and celebrities as readers. They are especially interested in fiction for this episode. The show’s summer-inspired theme is “endurance,” and they want pieces that are set in summer or reflect the theme of endurance, and are five to twelve minutes long when read aloud. Visit 360north.org for more information. You can contact the shows producers with questions, or submit directly to to arts@ktoo.org.
The 2014 Anchorage Press Super Shorts Micro Fiction
contest is now underway. Deadline for submissions is May 14, 2014. Winners in each category will have their stories
published in a special Super Shorts issue of the Press. Fabulous prizes to be
announced later! Check out the Anchorage Press for details.
contest is now underway. Deadline for submissions is May 14, 2014. Winners in each category will have their stories
published in a special Super Shorts issue of the Press. Fabulous prizes to be
announced later! Check out the Anchorage Press for details.
You won’t want to miss the North Words Writers
Symposium in beautiful Skagway in Southeast Alaska on May 28-31. This year’s keynote author is popular British-American
writer Simon Winchester, who will be joined by an elite Alaska-Yukon faculty.
Symposium in beautiful Skagway in Southeast Alaska on May 28-31. This year’s keynote author is popular British-American
writer Simon Winchester, who will be joined by an elite Alaska-Yukon faculty.
Don’t forget to register for Kachemak Bay Writers Conference, June 13-17. This year’s post-conference workshop at
Tutka Bay Lodge, Personal Stories and Great Realities, will be led by Scott
Russell Sanders, June 17-19.
Tutka Bay Lodge, Personal Stories and Great Realities, will be led by Scott
Russell Sanders, June 17-19.
The Northwoods Book Arts Guild of
Fairbanks is hosting a group exhibition, June
6-28, Books As Art: Structure, Image, Text, in the Bear Gallery of the
Fairbanks Arts Association. All Alaskan artists are invited to join the
exhibition. The Guild is a community of artists learning about and creating
artist books. They promote all aspects of book arts through education,
exhibitions, and community outreach.
Fairbanks is hosting a group exhibition, June
6-28, Books As Art: Structure, Image, Text, in the Bear Gallery of the
Fairbanks Arts Association. All Alaskan artists are invited to join the
exhibition. The Guild is a community of artists learning about and creating
artist books. They promote all aspects of book arts through education,
exhibitions, and community outreach.
Writer’s
Retreat: The Pen & The Bell presents Mindful Writing in a Busy World, with
Holly Hughes, June 26-29 at
Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove. How do we create space for
writing in a world crowded with so many distractions? Learn mindfulness
practices to provide support for writing and other forms of creativity. Holly
co-authored the book The Pen and The Bell: Mindful Writing in a Busy World. Her
collection of poems Sailing by Ravens is forthcoming from the University
of Alaska Press’s Literary Series in 2014.
Retreat: The Pen & The Bell presents Mindful Writing in a Busy World, with
Holly Hughes, June 26-29 at
Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove. How do we create space for
writing in a world crowded with so many distractions? Learn mindfulness
practices to provide support for writing and other forms of creativity. Holly
co-authored the book The Pen and The Bell: Mindful Writing in a Busy World. Her
collection of poems Sailing by Ravens is forthcoming from the University
of Alaska Press’s Literary Series in 2014.
It’s not too early to plan for
summer writing fun in the mountains. The Wrangell Mountain Writing Workshop
presents: True Story, July 22-28,
with Tom Kizzia, Frank Soos, and Nancy Cook. Living in Alaska is a constant
reminder that truth is often stranger than fiction. During
this five-day workshop, writers will explore the craft of creative nonfiction:
drafting compelling narratives that tell true stories. How can writers craft a
meaningful, readable page-turner while working in the confines of the
frequently controversial truth of “what actually happened.” Visit the
Wrangell Mountain Center website for more details.
summer writing fun in the mountains. The Wrangell Mountain Writing Workshop
presents: True Story, July 22-28,
with Tom Kizzia, Frank Soos, and Nancy Cook. Living in Alaska is a constant
reminder that truth is often stranger than fiction. During
this five-day workshop, writers will explore the craft of creative nonfiction:
drafting compelling narratives that tell true stories. How can writers craft a
meaningful, readable page-turner while working in the confines of the
frequently controversial truth of “what actually happened.” Visit the
Wrangell Mountain Center website for more details.
If you fancy traveling a little
farther afield, at this year’s Minnesota Northwoods
Conference, June 22-28, poet Camille
Dungy, who recently visited Alaska, will be leading a five-day workshop. For a
schedule and descriptions of the workshops to be taught by the distinguished
faculty, please visit www.northwoodswriters.org. The deadline for applying for the conference is May 1.
Scholarships are available, but the scholarship deadline is Monday, Apr. 7,
so apply today.
farther afield, at this year’s Minnesota Northwoods
Conference, June 22-28, poet Camille
Dungy, who recently visited Alaska, will be leading a five-day workshop. For a
schedule and descriptions of the workshops to be taught by the distinguished
faculty, please visit www.northwoodswriters.org. The deadline for applying for the conference is May 1.
Scholarships are available, but the scholarship deadline is Monday, Apr. 7,
so apply today.