Thursday’s Post-Publication Post: Six Months Later

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled

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

by Erika Dreifus on
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  • 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!

    • Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities for Writers

    by Erika Dreifus on
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  • “Ploughshares is looking for critical essays about great, underappreciated writers. We are hoping for a piece of writing that takes stock of an accomplished body of work and brings a neglected author back into the spotlight….If there is an occasion for the writing – such as a recent biography, a re-issue of old work, or a new book – so much the better. The writer can be living or dead, going back as far as the late 19th century, and from anywhere in the world (it would help, though, if there are good English translations available). The important thing is to give readers a sense of this writer’s special contribution, the arc of his or her career, and biographical details when they seem relevant.” Pays: “Payment will be at our standard rate for published work: $25/page, minimum $50, maximum $250.” NB: Query through the submission manager–no fee to use the manager for these queries.
  • From Robert Lee Brewer, in the latest WritersMarket.com newsletter: “I’m currently accepting pitches for articles in the 2013 editions of Writer’s Market and Poet’s Market. Please send them to me via e-mail at robert(dot)brewer(at)fwmedia(dot)com (and not by any other e-mail or communication channel). If you’re pitching for Writer’s Market, please use the subject line: Pitch for 2013 Writer’s Market. If you’re pitching for Poet’s Market, please use the subject line: Pitch for 2013 Poet’s Market. For Writer’s Market, I’m mainly looking for business- and submission-related pieces. If you’re in doubt about your topic, go ahead and pitch. The worst that will happen is that I’ll pick a more relevant pitch. For Poet’s Market, I’ll accept pitches for articles that cover craft and business topics. I’m also interested in anything that helps poets get their work out to a larger readership.” Pays: Not indicated, but I’m going out on a limb on this one in good faith that the writers will be compensated.
  • Submissions are now open for the next PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. This prize “honors the best published works of fiction by American citizens in a calendar year.” Winning author receives $15,000 and four finalists win $5,000 each. All are honored at a ceremony. No entry fee. Deadline: October 31, 2011.
  • Salamander, a literary journal based at Suffolk University (Boston), is hiring a Managing Editor.
  • Hampshire College [Mass.], an independent, innovative liberal arts college and a member of the Five College Consortium, is accepting applications for an Assistant Professor of Fiction Writing. Experience teaching literary fiction workshops at the college level, a terminal degree (MFA or PhD), and record of publication are essential.
  • Two academic jobs at the University of East Anglia (U.K.): Senior Lectureship in Creative Writing (appears to require a fiction focus) and Lectureship in Literature and Translation.
  • Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School seeks a Copywriter/Editor, Swarthmore College (Penn.) is looking for a Director of Publications/Editor, The Swarthmore College Bulletin, and Merrimack College (Mass.) has posted an advertisement for a Writer.

    • Friday Find: Robert Caro on the Sense of Place

    by Erika Dreifus on
    Disabled

    If you have some time to watch and/or listen this weekend, I recommend that you treat yourself to a video of Robert Caro speaking on “sense of place”: “Great books give their readers a sense of place to be able to see clearly, as though they were there,” Caro said, “and that sense of place is just as important for nonfiction as it is for fiction.”

    Caro delivered the speech upon accepting the Biographers International Organization (BIO) Award at the Compleat Biographer Conference in Washington this past spring.

    Enjoy, and see you back here on Monday