Quotation of the Week: Thrity Umrigar

by Erika Dreifus on
2


“But that’s not what this story is about. It’s about how the worlds of journalism and fiction writing are not as unimaginably different as one might think. About how, in the end, there are only two kinds of writing—good writing and the mediocre kind. The transition from one genre to another is not as difficult as some people think.”

–Thrity Umrigar

Source: Journalist/novelist/memoirist Thrity Umrigar’s contribution to the Nieman Reports “Writing the Book” issue.

QUIET AMERICANS Is a Sophie Brody Medal Honor Title

by Erika Dreifus on
4

I learned some amazing news last night via Google Alert: Quiet Americans has been named a 2012 Sophie Brody Medal Honor Title. The Sophie Brody recognition is deeply meaningful, because it “is given to encourage, recognize and commend outstanding achievement in Jewish literature.”

I may have more to say once the news sinks in. For now, I’ll just quote from the announcement. And say “THANK YOU!” to the judges.

“‘Quiet Americans: Stories’ by Erika Dreifus (Last Light Studio Books): This little book of short stories is a gem that anyone can read and enjoy. Its straightforward writing and understandable stories about German Jews and their descendants bring us into the everyday lives of Jewish Americans. Some stories are interrelated, but they stand alone in their own right.”

Monday Markets, Jobs & Opportunities for Writers

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled
  • A new essay competition commemorates the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Two prizes will be awarded: a “Junior Prize” of $1,000 for essays 1,000 words (or less), which is open to students aged 13-18; and a “Senior Prize,” conferring $2,000 for 2,000 words (or less), which is open to anyone aged 19 or over.” Questions to spark your essayistic response are posted on the website. There is no entry fee, and the deadline is March 15, 2012.
  • “The Chattahoochee Review is seeking poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for a special focus issue on Irish Literature to be published in late 2012.” No deadline specified. Pays: “We typically pay $50/poem and $25/page for prose. Payment for reviews, interviews, plays, and art is determined on an individual basis. All contributors receive two copies.”
  • “Open City is a new online magazine on Asian American news and culture in New York. We’re looking for Creative Nonfiction Fellows to write and produce stories on the vibrant immigrant communities of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. In a time when Occupy Wall Street is shedding a harsh light on economic inequality, Open City offers a unique platform for writers to tell the stories of low-income Americans too often ignored or misrepresented. If you’re an emerging creative nonfiction writer looking for financial support, a work space and career mentorship, apply to become a Creative Nonfiction Fellow. You’ll help us document the rapidly growing, transforming and challenging experience of what it means to be Asian American in urban New York today.” No application fee. Deadline: February 17, 2012. Click here for the call and application guidelines (scroll up for the full announcement; hat tip to @alexanderchee).
  • “The SonEdna Foundation [Miss.] develops and produces literary programs that benefit the Mississippi Delta and beyond. We are currently seeking our first full-time Executive Director – someone who is looking for a challenging opportunity to lead the organization through its next stage of growth. Established in 2006, SonEdna has developed a solid reputation for innovative and high quality programming with established and aspiring writers throughout the United States. With a good beginning, the organization is poised to grow substantially with the right leadership.”
  • “The University of Mary Hardin Baylor’s College of Humanities [Texas] is seeking two full-time, tenure-track faculty positions in English, beginning in August of 2011. UMHB seeks faculty who are active Christians and dedicated teacher-scholars to prepare students for leadership, service, and faith-informed discernment in a global society. UMHB is conveniently located in Belton, an historic town of 18,000 in the heart of central Texas. Excellent schools, abundant cultural and recreational opportunities, and a high quality of life are hallmarks of the local community. Faculty Responsibilities: Activities required of all faculty include curriculum development; applied research; student recruitment and advising; professional/instruction development; and service to department college, university and the community. UMHB places emphasis upon teaching and academic research. English Faculty Responsibilities: Teach all levels of English classes including freshman composition and sophomore-level literature. Upper-level classes would include Creative Writing and Prosody. Full-time faculty members typically will teach 12 hours per semester with three course preparations.”
  • Monmouth University (N.J.) is looking for a Web Writer, the Pew Research Center (Washington) seeks a Senior Web Editor, and the Thomas B. Fordham Institute (Ohio) seeks applicants for a position as Writer and Policy Analyst.

    • Jewish Literary Links for Shabbat

    by Erika Dreifus on
    Disabled
    Photo Credit: Reut Miryam Cohen
  • Zeek has published the winning poems from the latest Anna Davidson Rosenberg Prize for Poetry on the Jewish Experience. On her blog, first-prize winner Jehanne Dubrow explains: “One of the really nice things about this award is that it includes both a monetary award AND publication. Of course, I should add that any prize also serves as encouragement, a little push to keep the writer writing. These prose poems come from my manuscript-in-progress, The Arranged Marriage, which has certainly received plenty of little pushes lately. I will keep writing.”
  • The Yiddish Book Center introduces its new Academic Director, Joshua Lambert.
  • The latest winner of Israel’s Sapir Prize for Literature is Haggai Linik.
  • On the Image journal blog, Rick Chess offers a beautiful and personal meditation inspired by Jacob and Esau.
  • Delighted to discover this interview with Joan Leegant on the Fiction Writers Review website.
  • Presenting the 2012 Sydney Taylor Book Awards’ winning, honor, and notable titles. (“The Sydney Taylor Book Award honors new books for children and teens that exemplify the highest literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience. The award memorializes Sydney Taylor, author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series. The winners will receive their awards at the Association of Jewish Libraries convention in Pasadena, California this June.”)

    • Shabbat shalom!

    Friday Find: Ten Commandments for the Happy Writer

    by Erika Dreifus on
    4

    As great as so many things have been going lately, I confess this truth: I’ve been a little down.

    So let’s just say that discovering this set of “Ten Commandments for the Happy Writer” from Nathan Bransford was just what the literary doctor ordered this week. (I’m grateful to @inkyelbows to tweeting out the link to this oldie-but-goodie a couple of days ago.)

    Sage advice here, my friends. Enjoy it–and the weekend.

    See you back here on Monday.