Erika Dreifus

Each week (typically Fridays), the Practicing Writing blog offers writing and publishing resources, news, and reflections to peruse over the weekend.

• “In a non-fiction writing workshop, I wrote nine versions of an essay that would grow up to become Land of Enchantment. Reading it back now, so many years later, I can watch myself learning where to start a story.” From a beautiful piece by Leigh Stein upon reaching the 10-year anniversary of her memoir’s publication.
• If you caught my most recent #SundaySentence, you may have seen this already; if not, check out this piece on “The Meaning of Roots at 50″ by Alex Haley’s niece, Anne Haley.
• “Rebecca George, who co-owned Volumes Bookcafe in Chicago for more than a decade until it closed in January, has begun rolling out Lit Circle, a digital platform aimed at connecting consumers with bookstores hosting authors on tour. LitCircle’s database will track author readings and signings, as well as book clubs and literary festivals across the country, and alert readers to upcoming literary programming in their vicinity. George partnered with Patrick DiMichele, a technology consultant and a longtime Volumes customer, to build the platform.” Claire Kirch reports for Publishers Weekly.
• Over on the Writer’s Digest site, “media coach for authors Paula Rizzo shares ten tips for reducing nerves in order to give your best presentation or interview.”
• And of course, there’s a fresh set of Jewish literary links over on My Machberet, featuring some book previews, a magazine internship, and more.

Reminder: The August newsletter is filled with many (many) fee-free-and-paying calls and competitions that remain open for submissions and applications. As are the most recent Markets & Jobs posts here (the content of which, reminder #2, is sent directly to paying Substack subscribers first thing every Monday morning).

Have a great weekend.