Homer spit for the Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference, there will be plenty of
events to wet your literary whistle. Of course, when I say, “plenty of
events,” I mean, “Go to Homer!”
may be summer, but we still have lots going on at 49 Writers. If you’re a
member, watch for an e-vite to a special members-only event on July 14 with
literary agent Jeff Kleinman. In Juneau, our next member event is on August 6
from 7-9 pm; again, members should watch for details via email. (Not a member? Head
over to our website to join.)
don’t forget to sign up for our Tutka Bay Writers Retreat…registration closes
July 1.
EVENTS IN ANCHORAGE
Poetry Parley, June 18. Visit the beautiful Hugi-Lewis on the 3rd Thursday of every month. This upcoming parley will feature Dawnell Smith.
2015 Sledgehammer
36-Hour Writing Contest, July 25–26. The contest
begins with an online scavenger hunt that participants can complete from
anywhere. Along the way, they’ll collect four writing prompts, all of which
must be incorporated into their story, which is due by midnight on Sunday. Writers can compete individually
or as teams, and the contest is open to all ages. Cash
prizes will be awarded to the best short stories of the weekend in the
following categories:
elementary/middle school, high school)
to writing-related events and the coveted golden sledgehammers.
adults and $10/$5 for youth. Visit www.sledgehammercontest.com to learn more and register.
Book Signings
EVENTS AROUND ALASKA
SOUTHCENTRAL, MAT-SU, KENAI PENINSULA
readings that will take place alongside the Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference. All events are open to the public. Book signings will follow each event.
8:00 p.m. on the 13th, international
best-selling novelist Andre Dubus III will read at the Homer High School
Mariner Theatre. There will be limited seating. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Get on “du bus” and arrive early!
7:30 p.m. on the14th, Alice’s Champagne Palace
will hear from Frank Soos, Peter Trachtenberg, Erin Coughlin Hollowell, Adrianne
Harun, Nancy Lord, Afaa Weaver, Joy Castro, Simmons Buntin, and Justin Herrmann.
7:30 p.m. on the 15th, Land’s End
Resort will be treated to words from John Larison, Alice Friman, Eva Saulitis, Emily
Jenkins, Peggy Shumaker, Rich Chiappone, Kim Heacox, and Jeremy Pataky.
Books is hosting a train of book-signings! Roger Woods will start off the series with his book,
Treasure, Alaska, Friday afternoon. On Saturday, come meet Mindy Dwyer, author of several Alaska children
books, and Marianne Schlegelmilch. If you haven’t started
Marianne’s Feather series, I hope you will soon! Ron Dalby will close out the signings with a
celebration of his new novel, Pipeline.
SOUTHEAST
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WRITERS
and Albert Goldbarth (nonfiction). 1st Prize: $1,500 and publication. Honorable
Mention: $500 and publication. All finalists listed in Fall/Winter 2015
Awards issue. Submit one story or one essay per entry between April 1 and
June 15, 2015. Each entry should not exceed 8,000 words. Name and address on
cover letter only. $20 entry fee includes copy of Awards issue. Submit online at www.december.submittable.com/submit or
by mail at PO Box 16130, St. Louis, MO 63105.
The Tutka Bay Writers Retreat: What better way to jumpstart your writing? Don’t miss out on a fantastic retreat featuring two outstanding guest instructors, Ann Eriksson and Gary Geddes! September 11-13 at the fabulous Tutka Bay Lodge. Sign up today!
Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference, June 12-16, 2015 in Homer: keynote speaker is Andre Dubus III, and there are a host of amazing writers on the faculty this year (as there are every year).
Last Frontier Theatre Conference, June 14-20, in Valdez, features new work by playwrights from around the country. There are evening performances, 10-minute play slams, even a fringe festival. The deadline is past for play submissions, but they may still need actors.
Wrangell Mountains Writing Workshop presents RiverSong with Frank Soos, Michelle McAfee, Robin Child, and Nancy Cook, July 22-27, McCarthy to Chitina. The Wrangell Mountains Writing Workshop is pleased to partner with McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters to host a six-day, five-night adventure in the fabulous Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This year’s workshop will feature poet and essayist, Frank Soos, who is currently serving as Alaska’s Writer Laureate, joined by accomplished singer-songwriter Michelle McAfee, backcountry banjo-diva Robin Child, and workshop director Nancy Cook. Together they will explore the ways wilderness can help inspire songs, stories, poems, and essays. Activities include an opening reading/performance and craft sessions in the comfort of the Wrangell Mountains Center’s facility in McCarthy, followed by three nights and four days of creative inquiry along the Kennicott, Nizina, Chitina, and Copper Rivers. Space is limited to eight student writers/ songwriters.
Alaska Writers Guild & SCBWI Annual Writer’s Conference, September 19-20, Anchorage. Early registration starts May 2015. www.AlaskaWritersGuild.com
maven fluent with InDesign (CS6) layout and website savvy to join the
all-volunteer crew as Layout Editor. Here’s your chance to create for a 23rd year in the running, statewide, quarterly publication! This is not a
site-specific volunteer opportunity, but sound Internet connection is required.
Occasional Skype sessions apply. If interested, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us at alaskawomenspeak@yahoo.com
GOOD NEWS!
Poems in Place steering committee
recently selected four winning entries from poems written by Alaskans. Come September, Alaska
will have a poem or two in each of the state park’s seven regions.
Leyland Field’s poem, “Tideline” and Fred Stager’s poem, “The Compass Rose,” will be placed in Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park
in Kodiak. Aleria Jensen’s poem, “A
Soldier’s Station,” and Justine Pechuzal’s poem, “Pilgrims,” will be installed at
Caines Head State Recreational Area, Seward. Local creative writing workshops
will accompany sign dedications to be held in Kodiak and Seward this fall. For
dates and details please stay tuned: http://www.alaskacenterforthebook.org/