Erika Dreifus

Q3 Contributions

Ever since my story collection Quiet Americans was published in January 2011, I’ve been offering quarterly contributions based on recent sales to The Blue Card, an organization that provides assistance to U.S.-based survivors of Nazi persecution and their families. This quarter, the amount was quite small, but thankfully, some people are still buying the book!

So, please consider this a friendly reminder as you begin planning your holiday gifts that a Quiet Americans purchase will also do some good in the world: I’ve been giving one dollar from each sale to The Blue Card. (Be careful when you buy, though—not all purchase options register as new sales that I find out about!)

NPR Call for Hanukkah Stories

And while we’re starting to think about December holidays….

Also back in 2011, I was commissioned to write an original short story for National Public Radio’s “Hanukkah Lights” broadcast. But this year, they’re trying something new. And I’m passing along a message I received this week:

“This year, we’re looking for [Hanukkah-themed] stories that are previously written and approximately 1,200 to 3,500 words in length. Authors must own the entertainment rights to the story, agree to grant permission for use to include broadcast and on NPR.org and be willing to help edit the story for radio use. Submissions are due ASAP to Katie Anastas, at kanastas(at)npr(dot)org.”

I’m told that payment will be $500 per story, and I’m also told that they “prefer fiction.” (I am just the messenger here, folks. Please direct any questions to Katie Anastas, whose email address you’ll see just above.)

All About Writing Residencies

And one more thing: This week on Lifehacker.com, you’ll find Alanna Schubach’s article about writing residencies, featuring “tips on finding the right residency for you, applying, and making the most of it.” (It also happens to feature input from yours truly.) Read it here.