Alaska’s governor Sarah Palin is the talk of the nation. Just a few weeks ago, I spotted Kaylene Johnson’s book, Sarah: How a Small-Town Mom Turned Alaska’s Political Establishment on Its Ear on the remainder table at a local bookstore. I’ll bet they move it front and center first thing this morning. When I typed […]
Publisher’s Weekly reports that the Rocky Mountain News is commissioning short stories from some of the state’s best authors to celebrate Denver’s sesquicentennial. Among them is Pam Houston, one of my personal favorites. The stories celebrating Colorado will be published weekly on Tuesdays from now through the end of the year. How about it, Alaska?
Short Story Celebration Read More »
Sherry Simpson’s new book is THE ACCIDENTAL EXPLORER: Wayfinding in Alaska (Sasquatch Books). She wanted to call it “A Nuisance to Myself and Others,” a title that hints at the kind of misadventures, as well as the self-deprecating tone, found within. Simpson, a long-time essayist, reporter, and UAA creative writing prof, explains via her website
An Insider’s Irreverent View: Q & A with Sherry Simpson Read More »
Thursday is the big day. Is anyone else as excited as I am about the Democratic National Convention speech? Let me be clear about my complete lack of impartiality: I volunteered for Obama in Texas and I’m logging a few hours here in Alaska, as well. Which gave me the idea for this reader poll:
What do you want Obama to know about Alaska? Read More »
Sci-fi author Annalee Newitz has written about the exciting summer field trip she took with 20 other sci-fi writers to visit NORAD, the notorious nuclear bunker and military command center buried deep within Colorado’s Cheyenne Mountain. Lots of great photos and details at her article in the SF ezine I09, and if you look and
Sci-fi writers dig deep for material at NORAD; Chabon wins Hugo award Read More »
Alaska’s primary election, with four ballot initiatives, is tomorrow. Our state is unique – some would say even weird – in its politics. For perspective on the media circus that wraps itself around the election process, may I suggest this Harper’s interview with my brother, author and editor Chris Lehmann. Then for an state-specific take
Press Bubbles and the Power of Myth Read More »
Breaking news, thanks to a blog-reader (not Nancy herself): long-time Homer resident and current UAA Creative Writing and Literary Arts faculty member Nancy Lord has been named the new Alaska State Writer, to take over from John Straley this fall. Lord is the author of three short story collections and three literary nonfiction books: FISHCAMP:
Nancy Lord named Alaska State Writer Read More »
She was awake, she was ready, she won the prize. Thanks, Rose, and don’t forget to email me at andromeda@romanolax.com to claim your choice of coffee card, Title Wave gift certificate, or signed paperback. I encourage everyone else to continue leaving comments (you can post them in relevant places after any blog item or after
Bikegirl wins first weekly prize Read More »
49writers asked several top candidates to share what they’re reading and to our amazement, two of our busiest Alaskans answered! (Not that they had anything else to do this week.) To read more about the books via amazon, click on the links. We’ll share any other answers that roll our way and we remind you,
Get Ready to Vote: Stevens and Berkowitz on Books Read More »
Just returned from hiking the Chilkoot Trail. Wow. Four days and three nights of living history and spectacular natural beauty like only Alaska and the Yukon can dish it up. No wonder so many authors – Jack London and Robert Service among them – were inspired by it. Hope to read more primary source stuff
Alaskan Authors Weekly Round-Up Read More »
