The Wednesday Web Browser

by Erika Dreifus on
Disabled
  • No idea when I’ll actually read it, but Cynthia Ozick’s new novel, Foreign Bodies, is definitely on my tbr list. Check out this Bookforum review. (via Jewish Ideas Daily)
  • National Public Radio wants to know what you think about its books coverage–and how said coverage might be improved.
  • On a related note, this interview with Mark Athitakis features some interesting insights into book reviewing.
  • The American Library Association has added a GLBT youth literature award to its considerable award roster: the Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award.
  • I’m still resisting the e-Reader trend, but if you’re more adaptable than I am (and let’s face it, many people are!), you may be interested in this new development: an e-Book club, courtesy of Dzanc Books.
  • How much money can freelancers really make? Kelly James-Enger has investigated.

    • Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities

    by Erika Dreifus on
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  • In case you missed this nugget (included in our Practicing Writer newsletter; the November issue went out on Saturday morning), there’s exciting news from MatadorNetwork: They’re launching a print magazine! (Why, you ask? Here are eight reasons.) BETA’s aim is “to publish the best English-language travel writing on the planet.” And BETA will pay nicely, too.
  • Scholarship opportunities (no application fees indicated) are available for the Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway, January 14-17, 2011, in Cape May, N.J. Different scholarships have application deadlines of November 8 and December 1 (received, in both cases). (via CRWROPPS-B).
  • Last week’s WritersWeekly.com feature article focused on writing for Christian markets (and listed several such markets to try).
  • mediabistro.com is looking for a Web Writing and Editing instructor. (you’ll need to log in to read the full announcement)
  • From Old Dominion University (Va.): “The Department of English is accepting applications from accomplished Nonfiction writers for the Mina Hohenberg Darden Professorship in Creative Writing. The position is a continuing appointment to teach two classes or workshops at the graduate or undergraduate level; position is for one academic year with a possibility of renewal. Teaching experience at the college-level is required, along with a distinguished publishing record and a national reputation. Additional expertise in poetry a plus. The salary will be in the $45,000 – $50,000 range, no benefits.”
  • St. Joseph’s University (Pa.) is looking for an assistant professor of English, “a tenure-track position in Fiction Writing to begin in the Fall of 2011. Secondary expertise in screen writing or communications is desirable.”
  • From The New School (N.Y.): “The New School Creative Writing Program invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Writing, with a concentration in fiction. Applicants will be expected to teach writing workshops and literature seminars in the graduate MFA program as well as teaching our undergraduate Riggio Honors students; will advise students, supervise thesis projects, organize readings and forums, perform administrative service.”
  • Harvard Medical School (Mass.) seeks a Writer/Editor, The National Writing Project (Calif.) is looking for an Associate Editor, and the Pew Research Center (D.C.) wants to hire a Communications Manager.

    • Friday Find: Paris Review Interviews

    by Erika Dreifus on
    2

    So, for anyone who may not have already heard about this: The Paris Review is now offering the complete archive of its very esteemed interview series online, free of charge. And according to Dwight Garner, “If there’s a better place to lose yourself online right now, I don’t know what it is.”

    (I thought I remembered at least some of the interviews being available electronically, albeit as PDFs, which wasn’t always a lot of fun. But, hey, what do I know?) In any case, this is very nice, indeed. Enjoy!

    P.S. Happy Halloween, and see you back here on Monday!

    Thursday’s Pre-Publication Post: Event Announcements!

    by Erika Dreifus on
    2

    Some nice news this week. Let’s start with this: The first “official” event for my forthcoming story collection, Quiet Americans, has been confirmed! If you’re going to be in the Washington, D.C., area on Sunday, February 6, 2011, please consider yourself invited to come by the National Museum of American Jewish Military History (near Dupont Circle in the District) for a reading and discussion. The event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and it will be free of charge. Bonus: Refreshments will be served (the event coordinator is a very kind and gracious person!).

    I approached the NMAJMH for several reasons. First, it’s a museum I’ve been curious to visit myself. My paternal grandfather served in World War II, and (here’s reason #2) his military experience as a Jewish serviceman inspired one of the stories in Quiet Americans. In fact, I’d say it’s pretty likely that I’ll read from that story, “Lebensraum,” that afternoon. (I’d love to situate it alongside some other Jewish-American military-themed fiction, so please share any tips you may have in comments. Already on my list: Philip Roth’s “Defender of the Faith” and Rachel Kadish’s “The Argument”.)

    I also wanted to maximize the event potential inherent in a trip to D.C. That’s where the next Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) conference will be held, from February 2-5. I haven’t been to an AWP conference in a couple of years, but D.C. is relatively nearby, and having two panel proposals accepted sealed the deal. (Here go some more of those vacation days I’ve banked up at the day job!)

    Speaking of those AWP panels, this week I learned exactly when and where each one will be taking place. Please visit my updated “News & Events” page for details. Those of you who are planning to come to AWP, I hope that you’ll have time to stop by one or both!