Quotation of the Week: David Kirby

“All poetry begins as self-expression. But if I only write for myself, who’s going to want to read what I’ve written except me? I tell my students that, at some point, writing stops being self-expression and starts being communication, or it fails. Whether you read me or not, I’m writing for you.”

–David Kirby

Source: Kirby’s “Thirteen Things I Hate About Poetry,” in Lit from Within: Contemporary Masters on the Art & Craft of Writing, edited by Kevin Haworth and Dinty W. Moore, a book I finished reading this past weekend.

Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities

  • Quick turnaround on this one: “Visual artists, curators, writers and filmmakers can apply for residencies on Fogo Island in 2012 – 2013. Residencies are from 3 to 6 months. Visiting professionals are provided with a studio (work space) and a house to live in. Individuals selected to the program can apply for stipend to cover materials and living costs on the island and for travel (to and from Fogo Island only).” Deadline: July 31, 2011. (I don’t see any application fee, but if I’ve missed it, please let me know.)
  • By this time next week, the August issue of The Practicing Writer will have gone out to all of our subscribers. As usual, it will be filled with no-fee competition listings and news about paying calls for submission. Don’t be left behind! Subscribe now! (It’s free, and email addresses aren’t shared.)
  • The Puritan is an online, quarterly publication based in Toronto, Ontario committed to publishing the best in new fiction, non-fiction, poetry, interviews, and reviews.” Pays: $50 for a work of fiction or non-fiction, an interview, or a review; $20 for a poem (presumably in Canadian funds). (via placesforwriters.com)
  • From WritersWeekly.com: “Have a Freelance Success Story to share? We pay $40 on acceptance, non-exclusive electronic rights only. Success stories run around 300 words but we’re very flexible. Our guidelines are here: http://writersweekly.com/misc/guidelines.php.”
  • The University of Montana seeks an Editor (half-time), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Sloan School of Management is looking for a Senior Writer and Project Manager, and the University of Oregon is advertising for a Scholastic Journalism Outreach Coordinator.
  • Friday Find: Literary City Guides

    I’m hoping to have some time this weekend to take a closer look at a new offering on the Poets & Writers website: City Guides.

    Per P&W: “We’ve asked those in the literary community—authors, booksellers, publishers, editors, and the like—to take us on a tour of their city of residence: to the places they go to connect with writers of the past, to the bars and cafés where today’s authors give readings, and to those sites that are most inspiring for writing.”

    Not sure how expansive the guide collection will get, but right now it features guides to Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, and Portland (Ore.). V-e-r-y interesting.

    Wherever you are, have a great weekend, and see you back here on Monday.

    Thursday’s Post-Publication Post: Six Months Later

    We passed a milestone this week, my friends: Tuesday, July 19, marked the six-month birthday of my short-story collection, Quiet Americans, which was released on January 19. So it seems appropriate to pause and consider a few things–including the future of “Thursday’s Post-Publication Posts.”

    As my friend and fellow author Ellen Meeropol–whose debut novel, House Arrest, was similarly released last winter–recently suggested, there comes a time when the promotional work recedes (or should recede), and the generation of new work takes precedence. I didn’t necessarily intend it, but I am, at this time, becoming increasingly forward-looking, too.

    I’m by no means ready to abandon my precious Quiet Americans (more about that in a moment), but various forces are motivating me to think that these Thursday posts should gain a new focus (and some new titles). I welcome your thoughts about this. I will say that I’ve noticed that several writers-who-blog incorporate regular “Confession” posts, and that’s tempting (for two examples, albeit material that posts regularly on Tuesdays, see the blogs by Kelli Russell Agodon and January Gill O’Neil). But I blogged before I had a daily post “theme,” and I can do so again.

    Things to think about!

    Meantime, as I said, I am by no means ready to part ways with my beloved Quiet Americans! I’m still arranging events, I’m still doing interviews (please see the latest one over on The Story Prize blog), and–this is very important–I am still available to call in and join your book clubs for conversation!

    Less publicly, I continue to receive lovely, always-to-be-cherished messages from readers. Which reminds me: It’s never too late for you fans to post your glowing words on Amazon, Goodreads, or any other review venue you may choose.

    Six months in, it’s been a great ride. And for that, I am exceedingly grateful. Thank you.

    The Wednesday Web Browser for Writers

  • Kelly James-Enger breaks down the kinds of writing that are earning freelancers their pay.
  • Elise Blackwell considers creative-writing professors in the movies.
  • Dani Shapiro reflects on the tensions between her identities as a mom and as a memoirist.
  • Christine Redman-Waldeyer shares the history behind the new journal she has founded, Adanna. (I’m proud to have a poem in the debut issue, which was guest-edited by Diane Lockward.)
  • Midge Raymond continues her fab Book Promotion 101 series with some interview tips.
  • Finally, because we can all use a little fantasy by the time the week brings us to Wednesday, let’s just close our eyes and pretend that we’re sipping wine and writing happily right here. Ah, that’s better!