Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: Being a Virtual Writer-in-Residence
The official announcement came on Monday: I’m going to serve as a “Facebook Writer-in-Residence” for the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) during the month of December.
Here’s the text of the full announcement:
Erika Dreifus is our Facebook Writer-in-Residence during the month of December. Erika is the author of QUIET AMERICANS: STORIES, which is a 2012 ALA Sophie Brody Medal Honor Title. The stories in QUIET AMERICANS are based largely on the histories and experiences of Erika’s paternal grandparents, German Jews who immigrated to the United States in the late 1930s; Erika is donating portions of book-sale proceeds to The Blue Card, which supports U.S.-based survivors of Nazi persecution. Additionally, Erika—whose first paying job was serving as a library assistant at her middle school—is a prolific book reviewer and blogger and a passionate advocate for Jewish literature. A regular participant in AJL’s Jewish Book Carnival, Erika will also host the Carnival in December on My Machberet, her blog on matters of Jewish literary and cultural interest. She anticipates an exciting month in discussion with AJL’s Facebook community and welcomes any early questions or suggestions you may have. Please visit her online at www.erikadreifus.com.
More than visiting me online, though, I hope that those of you who want to talk about Jewish books, libraries, and writing will “like” the AJL Facebook page (and be sure to hover over that “Liked” link to ensure that the posts show up in your news feed). That way, you’ll receive my writer-in-residence posts and be able to participate in the discussions throughout the month.
Speaking of–any topics you want to be sure that we cover? Please tell me!
Thanks for the hovering tip, Erika, I was pondering that very notion yesterday and wondering how I could encourage the 24,000 folks who’ve liked my book page on Facebook to receive my updates and notifications!
Speaking of self-promotion (I know, I’m relentless), I’d love some discussion on how to make our books available to ALJ librarians for consideration. I don’t know if it’s appropriate on this forum, but I’d sure as heck like to have a conversation about alternatives to the Jewish Book Council and/or ways to get to Jewish book fairs. It seems like there are just a few authors and those with large publishers or marketing budgets who can crack into that market.
Granted, my book, “There’s Jews in Texas?” is small but mighty, nobody likes or buys poetry, and I’m stuck in this barren wasteland of conservatism, nevertheless, I’ve managed to sell 563 copies of my book and give away (thanks Amazon) another 690 copies, I’d sure like to get more into the mainstream conversation.
I’ll participate in the discussions, whatever you choose, I can’t wait!
Well, we’ll see, Debra. Have you submitted your book for a review in the AJL newsletter? http://www.jewishlibraries.org/main/Publications/NewsReviews.aspx
Wow. Congratulations Erika. This is the very first time Facebook has been associated with anything that sounds even remotely “distinguished.” Bravo.
Thank you!
What great news! Congratulations and bright wishes Erika.
Thanks very much, Polly!