Writing-related resources, news, and reflections to peruse over the weekend.
Sad to missing the annual conference of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP)? Wondering what all the hoopla is about in the first place? Worried that if you were to attend, you’d be utterly overwhelmed? Stroll the Bookfair with Sophfronia Scott for a glimpse of the event–and some sage thoughts about it.
The tributes continue to stream in following the March 15 death of W.S. Merwin. I was especially moved this week by what Rita Dove wrote for TIME magazine, an obituary that concluded with a note that his poems have guided Dove herself “in determining what should be important in a life and in realizing that communication of the ineffable is part of the mission of poetry. Isn’t that what every artist tries to do, to articulate that which eludes us? W.S. Merwin knew it–and did it better than anyone I know.”
Speaking of poetry: a few tips for successful readings, courtesy of John Sibley Williams.
Any other “This Is Us” fans? As the show’s third season winds down (season finale: next Tuesday), you may appreciate this interview with novelist Tim O’Brien, about his contributions to this season’s Vietnam storyline (and some other things).
And over on the My Machberet blog, there’s a fresh batch of Jewish-lit links (including a job alert from the Jewish Book Council).
Have a great weekend, everyone.
William’s advice on reading and readings is excellent! Including this in my monthly sort-of-a-newsletter which I send to some hundred writers in Southern Maryland.
Wonderful! So happy to know this.