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Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: Five Highlights from AWP 2013

by Erika Dreifus on
2

AWPOn Saturday, I caught an early-morning train up to Boston and spent a lovely afternoon and evening at the annual conference of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) conference. I was not a conference presenter; I was not a Bookfair exhibitor; I did not even register for the conference this year. But a wonderful (and generous) writer friend offered me a place to crash, so I decided to take advantage the event’s relative proximity to New York (and the complimentary Bookfair access granted to the public for Saturday only).

As always, the time I spent catching up with friends–including folks I’ve met through previous AWP conferences and typically see only in those settings–was the absolute best part of being there. But here are five other highlights from my whirlwind visit: (more…)

Friday Finds for Writers

by Erika Dreifus on
4

Treasure ChestWriting-related resources, news, and reflections to read over the weekend.

  • People have been talking this week about freelancer Nate Thayer’s post, “A Day in the Life of a Freelance Journalist.” You can read an example of the discussion here. See also Jane Friedman’s take on “The State of Online Journalism Today: Controversial.”
  • Also a popular topic (at least among the folks that I follow on Twitter): Alex Nazaryan’s confession regarding a certain “bitterness” in his book reviews. Julia Keller’s piece on “The Reviewer Reviewed” has attracted far less attention (at least as far as I can tell), but for me, it’s at least equally important and instructive for those of us who write reviews and criticism in addition to our “own” writing.
  • Amen, sister! That’s my response to Writer Abroad’s “9 Things Not to Do as a Writer.”
  • In case you haven’t heard, there’s a little event for writers taking place in Boston at the moment. And in case you can’t be there in person (I’m popping in for a grand total of 23 hours starting midday tomorrow), you can always follow the Tweets!

    • Have a great weekend everyone. See you back here on Monday.

    Wednesday’s Work-in-Progress: The GSI Book/Film Discussion Group

    by Erika Dreifus on
    4

    GSISince I’ve long been interested in books (and to a lesser extent, films) about the Holocaust (also known as the Shoah), I jumped right in when the Generations of the Shoah International (GSI) launched an online book/film discussion group. The group was established in late 2011, with the purpose of fostering conversation between members of the GSI community (mainly descendants of Holocaust survivors) on books and films created by members of said community. Every month, discussion alternates between books and films. As the group’s welcome message notes: “This is also an opportunity for members of the Shoah survivor community to speak with those who are just learning about the Holocaust. Educators and students participating might greatly benefit from all our experiences and insights. Book groups from churches or secular organizations may be participating….[A]ll who want to interact and learn are welcome.”

    I’ve appreciated the opportunity to ask questions as a reader/viewer. For the month of March, I’m taking on a slightly different role: I’m the featured guest! Although I was asked to participate in this discussion as the author of Quiet Americans: Stories, I’m equally open to discussing all kinds of Holocaust literature, especially literature written by other grandchildren of refugees/survivors (“3G” authors).

    I’ll be there all month, so if you want to stop by, please join us! (If you have any difficulty accessing the group, please ask the moderator for assistance.)

    Monday Markets for Writers

    by Erika Dreifus on
    Disabled

    Monday brings the weekly batch of no-fee competitions/contests, paying submission calls, and jobs for those of us who write (especially those of us who write fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction).

  • Big news from Barrelhouse: “It’s been a dream of ours since we started Barrelhouse in 2005, so we’re proud to announce that beginning with issue 12, Barrelhouse will pay contributors $50 each, along with contributor copies….We hope this marks the beginning of a new chapter for Barrelhouse and we hope you’ll join us. When the time is right, send us your best stuff (we’re open right now for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and a special comedy issue). Come get your fifty big ones!”
  • Wesleyan Writers Conference Scholarships & Fellowships have a deadline of March 22, 2013 (received). There is no application fee; “if you are certain you will attend the Conference, however, do send the $75 deposit and registration form immediately, before completing the rest of your application. The deposit guarantees you a place at the Conference if you should not win an award.”
  • “Lake Forest College [Ill.] seeks a writer of fiction to fill a three-year visiting (non-tenure track) position in the English Department teaching courses in creative writing and developing courses in the design, production, and publication of books and journals.”

    • (more…)