Writing-related resources, news, and reflections to enjoy over the weekend.
So sorry to disappoint! This week I’ve been exceedingly busy with BookExpo America. The Friday Finds feature will return next week. Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for your indulgence!
Every Friday My Machberet presents an array of Jewish-interest links, primarily of the literary variety.
This week, however, I’ve been exceedingly busy with BookExpo America. So please forgive me for being unable to provide the usual round-up.
Never fear–come next Friday, the links will be here!
Shabbat shalom.
Bound for #BEA15
Today, tomorrow,and Friday will find me focused on BookExpo America (BEA). I’ve attended this massive publishing event in the past, as a blogger/book reviewer interested in getting the early scoop on forthcoming titles and picking up as many galleys of said titles as I could carry. But this year, I’m attending as part of a publishing company. Which means that rather than roaming the conference floor, I’ll be spending a great deal of time beneath this banner at Booth 843A our booth which is most accurately/least confusingly described as “within the 800 aisle.”
And in my capacity as Media Editor for Fig Tree Books, I’ve written this blog post all about ways to connect with Fig Tree at the show–and about ways to have a “virtual BEA”–complete with galleys and author events–from afar. I hope that you enjoy it! (more…)
Over the Shavuot/Memorial Day weekend, I watched an extraordinary film. In its simplest terms, the film might be described (as a New York Times reviewer has written) as follows: “Produced by Nancy Spielberg (sister of Steven Spielberg), the documentary ‘Above and Beyond’ recounts the story of Jewish American pilots who, beginning in 1948, secretly fought for Israel in its war of independence, when the Israeli military was nascent.”
It’s an amazing story. To be sure, it’s not without its discomforts. For starters, the American Jews who participated in this effort were risking their U.S. citizenship. But by the end of the film, one can’t help thinking of the devastating consequences had they not made the choices that they did.
The same NYT reviewer mentioned above also notes that “the movie’s one-sided view of history is bound to start arguments.” Maybe. But if this is a “one-sided view of history,” it’s also an accurate view of history. For instance, the Arab countries’ 1947 rejection of the U.N. Partition Plan that would have created the first-ever Palestinian state is included as part of the prelude to Israel’s War of Independence. Not everyone is cognizant of this pre-history to Israel’s declaration of statehood. Is its inclusion what the reviewer means by “one-sided”?
Regardless, I strongly recommend this film, especially for anyone who wants to learn more about the establishment of the State of Israel and the contributions of American Jews to that achievement. Above and Beyond can be viewed via (some) on-demand cable companies, iTunes, and at screenings. You’ll find more information on the film’s website.
Monday brings the weekly batch of no-fee competitions/contests, paying submission calls, and jobs for those of us who write (especially those of us who write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction). (more…)