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Thursday’s Post-Publication Post: Summer’s End

by Erika Dreifus on
2

Remember when I posted my summer to-do list? What sort of progress have I made? I’ll share that below, in a second update-reprint (click here for the first one). 

North of the equator, we’ve just begun summer. Although I’m still going to be working 40 hours a week in my day job, still running the usual errands, still partaking in the same family responsibilities (and joys), I’m also hoping to accomplish certain writing-related goals before we merge into fall.

After all, for six weeks this summer, my 40 hours at the office will be recalibrated: heavier on Mondays-Thursdays with “summer Fridays” off. I hope to use those Fridays wisely. And I hope that I can use the general light and energy of the summer to help infuse some projects under way and others that I hope to start.

Herewith, items on my list of writerly hopes, plans, ambitions, and commitments for the season.

(more…)

The Wednesday Web Browser for Writers

by Erika Dreifus on
2
  • The fact that I live in NYC by no means makes me an expert on literary life here. So I’m delighted to see the latest addition to the Poets & Writers City Guides: New York City!
  • I’ve just finished reading an advance reading copy (provided by Coffee House Press) of Ben Lerner’s novel, Leaving the Atocha Station. Since I have no idea when I’ll be able to offer cogent commentary of my own on this most intriguing work, I’ll point you to David Shields’s contribution for the Los Angeles Review of Books in the meantime. (But stay tuned: I do have a review of another Coffee House book in the works.)
  • Fadra Nally discusses “How to Get Unfollowed on Twitter.”
  • Another social-media tidbit: In “When Students Friend Me,” Cathy Day offers a sample text that other teachers might adapt to explain their social-media policies on syllabi.
  • I’ve read a number of commentaries sparked by the recent release of the film version of Kathryn Stockett’s novel The Help. Nothing is quite like Roxane Gay’s essay for The Rumpus.
  • Kelly James-Enger suggests “5 Ways to Take Your Freelance Career Seriously.”
  • Remember my explanation re: how I got to know author Rebecca Makkai? Here’s a lovely essay that Rebecca has written about the online community where we “met.”

    • The Wednesday Web Browser for Writers

    by Erika Dreifus on
    Disabled
  • Kelly James-Enger warns against “Explosives, Waifs, and Users: Six Writers to Avoid.”
  • Honestly, I’m going to be dragged kicking and screaming to Google+. But I guess I’ll get there eventually. Crystal King’s post for Grub Street Daily is just one of many reminders of that likelihood.
  • In a Fiction Writers Review “Poetry for Prosers” feature, Katie Umans “sort-of” reviews David Orr’s Beautiful and Pointless.
  • I decided a few months ago that I won’t be attending the 2012 Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) conference in Chicago (I hope to return in 2013, when the conference moves to my beloved Boston). But if you’re still deliberating, perhaps the list of accepted events will help you decide.
  • I love Lisa Romeo’s post, “Not exactly qualified for that writing award? Apply anyway” (and not only because it is, in part a success story resulting from a discovery right here on Practicing Writing!).

    • Thursday’s Post-Publication Post: Help Me Find a Home for My Essay

    by Erika Dreifus on
    4

    Last week, I wrote about this odd phase post-publication in which the promotional work is quieting down, but the new work–the future, in other words–is still only on “simmer.” I’ll stay with that theme for now, because I do have a few things to share (and a favor to ask).

    To share: Progress on the summer to-do list front. I have managed to complete a residency application (and both of my wonderful recommenders have submitted their letters, too). I have finished a short story and begun sending it out. And I’m happy to report that Quiet Americans is now available for all of you who prefer to read on the Nook!

    I’ve also been tweaking something I’ll go ahead and call an essay. And here’s where I’d love your help.

    The piece I’m working on is not a conventional essay. In some ways, it resembles a blog post. Think “5 Reasons I’ll [Do Something Social-Media Related].”

    And frankly, it’s not all that “nice.” It’s more like a rant.  Which brings up a whole slew of other issues. Such as: Do I want to risk alienating and/or offending people?

    But for the moment, I’d like you to focus on this salient fact: The piece runs 500 words. So it’s too long to qualify as an official “rant” submission for Mslexia, which was the first place I thought to send it.

    Can you think of other venues (preferably paying ones) that might be interested in something like this? I know, I’m supposed to be a semi-expert on this sort of thing, but for day job-related and other reasons, my brain is already working overtime right now. So I’d love to hear your suggestions. Thanks in advance!

    Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities

    by Erika Dreifus on
    2
  • 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.