Friday Finds for Writers

by Erika Dreifus on
5

Treasure Chest
Writing-related resources, news, and reflections to enjoy over the weekend.

  • I’ve got some ambivalent feelings when it comes to various “best books” lists (and arguments about them). So I appreciated Laura Miller’s Salon column on “the absurdity of these dumb ‘my “great books” list is better than yours’ debates.”
  • “It’s perfectly in keeping with being a writer—even a ‘literary’ writer—to want to be paid.” Over on The Review Review, Allison K. Williams pleads for literary magazines to be open and up-front about whether they pay their writers. (On a related note: I would plead for those compiling newsletters/lists that feature litmag calls to do the same with the information that they share–is the opportunity that you are sharing one that pays, or not? Does it charge an entry fee, or not? Please don’t make me click through to each and every listing and to its guidelines page to find this information out for myself each and every time.)
  • Useful: “GLAAD responds to Vanity Fair cover featuring Caitlyn Jenner, releases updated tip sheet for journalists.” (via Boing Boing)
  • Next week brings the release date for Jessamyn Hope’s gorgeous debut novel Safekeeping. (I’m proud to be part of the team at Fig Tree Books that’s helping the book reach all of you readers!) Over on the Writer’s Digest/Guide to Literary Agents blog, Jessamyn recently shared “7 Things I’ve Learned So Far.” (Look for her also in the “Breaking In” column in the July/August print issue of Writer’s Digest.)
  • Finally, for some reliably wry literary humor: Over on the Ploughshares blog, Rebecca Makkai wonders, “Was This Review Helpful to You?”

    • Have a wonderful weekend.

    Midweek Notes from a Practicing Writer

    by Erika Dreifus on
    3

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    So, as many of you may recall, I spent a big chunk of last week at BookExpo America (BEA). As the show website notes, BEA is “the largest publishing event in North America,” providing “access to what’s new, what’s next, and everything exciting in the world of books.” This was not my first time attending the trade show, but it was the first time I participated as part of a publishing company that was exhibiting there. (more…)

    Sunday Sentence

    by Erika Dreifus on
    2
    Beau Biden (1969-2015)
    Beau Biden (1969-2015)

     

    In which I participate in David Abrams’s “Sunday Sentence” project, sharing the best sentence I’ve read during the past week, “out of context and without commentary.”

    There will come a day, I promise, when your thoughts of your son or daughter or husband or wife will bring a smile to your face before it brings a tear.

    Source: Vice President Joe Biden, remarks at the 18th annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar, May 25, 2012

    Friday Finds for Writers

    by Erika Dreifus on
    2

    Treasure Chest
    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!