Moving Day

It's Moving Day for this practicing writer, and it looks as though I won't have Internet access at home until the middle of next week. So I'll be taking a brief blogging break until then.

In the meantime, we've got PLENTY of archived posts for you to read, not to mention some very useful links on the right-hand side of your screen. And don't forget the August issue of our newsletter, which went out to subscribers last night. Hopefully, all of that should tide you over until I'm back here, blogging from my nifty new space.

Editing Sarah Palin

One of my co-workers, someone who does plenty of editing, told me about this Vanity Fair Web-exclusive piece.

If you watched Sarah Palin’s resignation speech, you know one thing: her high-priced speechwriters moved back to the Beltway long ago. Just how poorly constructed was the governor’s holiday-weekend address? We asked V.F.’s red-pencil-wielding executive literary editor, Wayne Lawson, together with representatives from the research and copy departments, to whip it into publishable shape. Here is the colorful result.

The result is certainly colorful. It also provides some useful editorial reminders/pointers.

Still, I don't necessarily agree with all of the editors' decisions. For instance, starting several consecutive sentences with the same word can be an effective stylistic choice. (On the other hand, there's no need to emphasize your honesty by declaring that you've been speaking "candidly, truthfully." Score one for the editors there.)

By the way, to keep things fair, I'd be happy to read and link to anything similar concerning a speech given by a Democratic politican. Please share!

The Wednesday Web Browser

Descant (Canada) reminds us of Ten Submission Missteps to Avoid.
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I am spending a chunk of time on the Web this week proofing the links for the August issue of The Practicing Writer, our free monthly newsletter. Not yet a subscriber? It's never too late to join us!
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Tayari Jones shares her process for processing feedback on her writing.

TBR: Choosing Africa, by B. Susan Bauer

B. Susan Bauer is another wonderful writer I've had the good fortune to get to know via the Internet. We've been corresponding ever since we began finding that lots of our comments in online writing fora seemed to be in sync. And I'm so glad we discovered that.

Now, Susan has announced the publication of her memoir, Choosing Africa. Subtitled "A Midlife Journey from Mission to Meaning," the book centers around the experiences of six years in Namibia, where Susan and her husband lived and taught. I haven't yet read the book, but I have read, and much enjoyed, several of Susan's Africa-inspired writings, which have appeared in The Apalachee Review, Transitions Abroad, and The Raleigh Quarterly.

Susan is a special soul, and I am so happy to be able to congratulate her on her book's publication. If her story sounds interesting to you, please visit the Choosing Africa Web site to learn more.

Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities

Canadian literary journal Descant seeks unthemed submissions to its journal as well as work for themed issues on "Ghosts and the Uncanny" (deadline: March 1, 2010) and "Sicily" (deadline: June 1, 2010). Pays: $100 (presumably in Canadian funds). Note: no simultaneous submissions.
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Match-That-Artwork Writing Contest: "To celebrate our graduation from beta testing, AnthologyBuilder invites authors of all skill levels to choose their favorite cover art from our database and write a story to match it." Submit unpublished work before September 20, 2009. There is no entry fee. For details on prizes (including cash for winners in both the "General Submissions" and "Rising Stars" [under 18] categories), click here.
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Meet literary agent Brenda Bowen, of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. "She has been editorial director of Henry Holt & Company, Disney/Hyperion, Scholastic Press, and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing." And she represents "authors and illustrators of children’s books for all ages (preschool to teen) as well as, in her words, 'graphic novelists, animators and maybe a surprise element or two.'"
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The State University of New York-Purchase is looking for continuing education faculty in memoir-writing (for grown-ups) and in creative writing (for kids ages 8-13).
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Other jobs for writers: University of California-Riverside is looking for a Senior Bilingual Writer (English/Spanish); Massachusetts Institute of Technology seeks a Copy Editor; and Juniata College (Penn.) is looking for a Staff Writer.
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BiblioBuffet, a Web site "for readers with independent minds who want to use their reading time well," seeks contributions from "passionate readers who are also excellent writers." Publishes book reviews, personal essays, editorials, commentary, humor, interviews, profiles, and more. Pays: $10/piece for guest columnists and $20/piece for regular contributors "with increases over time." Guidelines here.

Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities: Coming Soon!

So, I had a fabulous weekend with my friends (and I did get to read The Atlantic issue I told you about on Friday), but my flight back to New York was delayed nearly eight hours. I just got home, and it is 1:45 a.m. as I type this, and I do owe the New York State taxpayers a full day of work not too many hours from now. Plus, I want to take some time to proof the post I'd readied late last week. I'll get the usual Monday post up sometime before it becomes Tuesday (where I am, at least!). Promise!

Friday Find: The Atlantic's Summer Fiction Issue (2009)

I am off in a few hours for a long-anticipated weekend with three of my closest friends from college. We're all celebrating big birthdays in 2009, and it's an off-reunion year for our college class, so we're holding our own mini-reunion and converging in the Midwest. I can't wait!

Before I board the plane this afternoon, I'm hoping to pick up a print copy of The Atlantic's latest fiction issue at the airport. The contents are online, too, so you don't necessarily need to find a newsstand.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

New Title: Contest Judge

I was recently invited to judge a short fiction contest, and I have accepted the offer! Many thanks to the kind folks at Abbey Hill Literary for asking me to judge their next literary challenge. If you're willing to consider a contest that charges an entry fee, please check it out.

And I'd love to hear about any of your experiences judging contests--advice is certainly welcome!

The Wednesday Web Browser: Wise Words, "Virtual Yard Sale," and Poetry of Science

Wise words from Lisa Romeo: "I constantly try to remind myself that people don't read creative nonfiction because they care about what happened to me, but because they care about whether what happened to me might have some meaning for them."
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And a cute idea from Creative Nonfiction: a "virtual summer yard sale." Check out the loot: journal issues, books, and more. Go visit before July 31, when the sale ends.
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You don't often find poetry on the science blogs. But the New York Times's TierneyLab recently profiled poet Kimiko Hahn, whose next collection (coming from Norton in 2010) is titled Toxic Flora and "is filled with poems inspired by articles in Science Times."

Unlikeable Characters in Fiction

I workshopped my (unpublished) novel many times, in many settings, and one comment I heard not infrequently concerned how "unlikeable" my protagonist was. I suppose I became something of a defender of unlikeable characters for awhile, but in all honesty, I haven't given them a whole lot of thought in recent times.

That changed this weekend, when I read the latest issue of One Story, Joe Meno's "Children are the Only Ones who Blush." And it didn't take me very long to decide that I really disliked the protagonist's sister, "Jane."

For one thing, Jane is a bully. For example, she just won't be satisfied until she manages to get her (quite likely straight) brother to declare his homosexuality.

Jane's anti-Israel and anti-Semitic tendencies also had a lot to do with my reaction to her.

"That sounds fucking stupid," Jane cursed. "That's exactly what the world needs. More childish, performance-art bullshit. Why don't you do something meaningful? Like confront what's happening in the Middle East?"

Which wouldn't raise my antennae, had it not been followed so quickly by:

"Like I bet that girl never even heard of the Situationists. I bet she has no idea what's going on in Palestine right now."

And here's a gem of dialogue between Jane and her brother. Jane is the first speaker:

"I guess we should just stop worrying about your severe emotional issues because, all of a sudden, you like some Jewish girl."
"What? She's not Jewish."
"She's definitely Jewish."
"So what? Mom's Jewish," I said.
"You are so completely clueless. Why don't you screw this girl and get it over with? And maybe then you'll be ready to admit what your problem really is."
"I don't want to screw anyone."
"Bullshit. You want to screw her in her little Jew butt."

Charming, isn't she, that Jane?

What perhaps troubles me the most is that I suspect some readers won't merely find Jane's statements unobjectionable. They'll like her all the more for expressing them!

On the other hand, I have to tip my hat to any writer who inspires passionate feelings in readers. The intensity of my negative response to Jane is, in fact, a tribute to Meno's skills. I'd like to think that my unlikeable novel protagonist, and another character who might well fall under the unlikeable label (I've been thinking him a lot this weekend because of a tie to Walter Cronkite in his story), reflect just a fraction of the same ability.

Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities

G&A: The Contest Blog, reminds us that seven state-specific award opportunities are approaching. Writers who are residents of Arizona, California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania should take note!
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Inaugural Best of the Best Ebook Contest is open "to all self-published or independent e-press published novels. Your novel must be available to the public for purchase before you enter." Winner receives $250 USD; each of 30 semi-fianlists will have their novels showcased for a day on the Editor Jennifer Web site. No entry fee. Deadline: August 31, 2009. (via PayingWriterJobs)
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The summer issue of Contrary, a "journal of unpopular discontent," has just been published, so it may be a good time to remind you that the next submission deadline is September 1. Pays: $20/byline, $60 for featured work. Check for specific guidelines for fiction, poetry, commentary, and reviews.
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Jacquie Flynn is a new agent at Joelle Delbourgo Associates. She specializes in nonfiction: business and career, technology, science, psychology, self-help, and parenting.
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Kaplan University is looking for online composition faculty.
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San Jose State University (Calif.) seeks a Director of Communications; Indiana University is looking for an Editorial Consultant; and the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, based at George Mason University in northern Virginia, welcomes applications for a Conference Assistant.

Friday Find: Promotional E-mail Tips

If you're going to be promoting a book, you'd could probably benefit from reading these tips on sending promotional e-mails. (via Writer Beware)

It's Friday, people! Have a wonderful weekend!

Free Freelancing E-Course from Linda Formichelli

Want to learn about freelancing from a successful veteran? Linda Formichelli (half of the "Renegade Writer" team) is offering one lucky student free registration in her online "Write for Magazines" premium e-course. Linda is making you work just a bit to enter the contest, but don't worry--there's no fee involved. Just follow her instructions by July 20 and you'll be eligible to win. (P.S. If any of our own blog readers should win this prize, I'd be up for a guest post about your experience with the class! Good luck!)

The Wednesday Web Browser: Notable New Sites/Blogs Edition

I received an e-mail a few days ago alerting me to the news that Tin House Books has redesigned its site and launched a blog. (This might be a good time to revisit my comments about some particularly good reads from Tin House books.)
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Here at Practicing Writing, we take Mark Sarvas's blog posts very seriously, so when he recently recommended two new online destinations, we listened.
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As you may have heard, the National Book Foundation is celebrating the 60th year of the National Book Awards by offering a "book-a-day blog on the Fiction winners from 1950 to 2008." They've only just started, so it's definitely not too late to check in.
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Finally, the folks at Writer's Digest have also just launched a blog, Promptly, promising "a writing prompt-driven community" that will be "shelling out prompts to get your pen moving and keep it that way." I'll be following its progress.

Roxana Robinson's Writing Room

One of the things I've most missed about my Cambridge apartment (which I left when I moved to New York in early 2007) is the perfect home office I'd managed to create there. Now that I am on my way to securing a dedicated writing space in a new Manhattan abode, I have been thinking about how wonderful it will be to have all my books, binders, and papers within reach again. And a big desk. For starters.

So I was certainly intrigued to see the New York Times run an article this past weekend that focused on author Roxana Robinson's home writing "hideout." I was particularly interested in Robinson's choice to work in a room the article describes as "as spare as a monk's cell," rather than in "a study that would seem the ideal lair for a novelist."

Most of all, I was just happy to see the subject of a writer's working space treated so front-and-center in the newspaper's real estate section!

Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities

Writers in the Schools (WITS) [Houston] "is looking for writers and educators who can teach the joy of creative writing to young people. Employment is part-time, typically 2-6 hours of teaching, one day a week from September – May. A yearlong commitment is required." Pays: $55/teaching hour. Deadline: August 3, 2009.
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"The Writer’s Center, metropolitan DC’s community gathering place for writers and readers, is currently accepting submissions for several competitive Emerging Writer Fellowships. Emerging Writer Fellows will be selected from applicants who have published up to 2 book-length works of prose and up to 3 book-length works of poetry. We welcome submissions from writers of any genre, background, or experience. Emerging Writer Fellows will be featured at The Writer’s Center as part of their Emerging Writers Reading Series. The readings, held on Friday evenings, bring together writers in different genres with a backdrop of live music. The Writer’s Center book store will sell titles by the Emerging Writers throughout the season in which they appear in an effort to promote them and their work to a wide audience. Selected Fellows are invited to lead a special Saturday workshop at The Writer’s Center, with compensation commensurate with standard Writer’s Center provisions. Fellows receive an all-inclusive honorarium to help offset their travel costs in the amount of $250 or $500, depending on their place of departure." No application fee. Deadline: August 15, 2009. (via CRWROPPS)
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Attentions, writers who teach undergraduates: The National Endowment for the Humanities has announced competitions for teaching development fellowships and course development grants.
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Stephanie Maclean is a new agent at Trident Media Group, with interests in romance, women's fiction, and young adult.
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From the NCTE Inbox newsletter: "Lessons from Literature is currently being taught in literature classes across the nation. Teachers are invited to submit an original lesson plan for any book that explores relationship violence or abuse. If your lesson is chosen to be added to the program, you'll earn $100! Submit your lesson plan by July 31."
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"The Department of English at Wheaton College invites applications for a tenure-track position in creative writing. Open rank. The ideal candidate would have both a specialization and a strong record of publication in creative non-fiction with a secondary specialization in fiction, poetry, or some area of literature. Evidence of successful teaching and an enthusiasm for teaching composition and general education literature are also important. Ph.D. or MFA required."
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Marymount Manhattan College (New York) is looking for a Public Relations Specialist; Time Out New York is looking for a part-time Assistant Web Editor and an Editorial Assistant; and the Marine Biological Laboratory (Mass.) seeks a Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations.

Friday Find: Darren Rowse's "13 Lessons (& Tips) Learned Launching an eBook"

As an e-book author, I was particularly interested to discover this set of "13 Lessons (&Tips) Learned Launching an eBook." Thanks (once again!) to Jane Friedman for the find.

How to Find Books to Review

Keeping up with a theme from last week, I thought I'd provide some tips on how to locate books you might pitch to editors for reviews before the books have actually been published. Because if you want to publish reviews in magazines, newspapers, and quite a number of Web sites that look for fresh content, you generally need to be working ahead. (Literary journals, which tend to publish less frequently, aren't necessarily always looking to time their reviews with a book's release.)

Here are a few ways to find out about forthcoming books:

1) Publishers Weekly's "announcement" editions. The Fall 2009 announcements issue (for books for adults) was printed last week. Here's a guide to upcoming hardcovers featured in the magazine. It's been a couple of years since I've seen the print version of this issue, but I recall lots of very informative publishers' ads tipping me off to review possibilities, too.

2) Publishers' catalogs. Since I'm partial to university presses, I've been looking at the fall/winter 2009 offerings from those publishers. I count on the Association of American University Press's member directory to get me started each season. You might also want to investigate independent presses and/or the "big" houses.

3) This is a bit complicated, but bear with me. You can also find not-yet-published books by strategically searching a mega-site like amazon.com. By browsing within a "Books" category (say, "Literature & Fiction," further narrowed to "Short Stories"), you reach a page that allows you to sort results by publication date. The first book to show up will be the one slated for the latest publication date in the system. By reading the listing, you'll see who is publishing the book, and therefore you'll know where to go to request a review copy. (Be careful, because paperback releases of books initially published in hardcover will show up as new books, and in my experience, editors tend not to be so interested in publishing reviews of paperbacks that aren't initially released in that format.)

These are my three "favorite" strategies for finding books to review. What are yours?

The Wednesday Web Browser: Practice of Poetry Edition

National Public Radio profiles poet--and single mom/corporate communicator--Elizabeth Haukaas. (The piece is part of a series on how artists make a living. Which, NPR suggests, is not solely by writing poetry!)
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English instructor Art Scheck shares his students' struggles reading (let alone writing) poetry.
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And a more biting take on poetry in the classroom from Billy Collins, courtesy of a recent installment of The Writer's Almanac.

From My Bookshelf: Mothers In All But Name, Edited by Marguerite Guzman Bouvard

You may remember that I have some strong feelings on the subject of writing about motherhood, and some very strong feelings on the specific topic of writing about motherhood as a writer who is not a mother.

So it may not surprise you that I was intrigued when I read Wordamour's description of a new anthology "about all the different forms mothering can take." Edited by Marguerite Guzman Bouvard, it's called Mothers In All But Name, and, as its subtitle suggests, it features contributions from "grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, strangers, and nannies." In fact, I was intrigued enough to order a copy, and to read it this past weekend.

There are a lot of personal/familial reasons this subject matter resonates with me (and I'd love to have an anthology assignment to prompt me to write an essay of my own about [one or more of] them). But as a writer, and as a writer who has already been pretty outspoken about the feasibility of non-mothers writing fiction "about" motherhood, I have to admit that these lines resonated with me instantly:

In the ten years between [a job as a nanny for a child with special needs] and bearing my own children, I carry my other motherhood like a phantom limb. In graduate school, I occasionally write stories that celebrate the bonds of parents and children, stories that are generally well received, some even published in literary magazines. One chain-smoking visiting writer, however, eying my twenty four year old countenance (undoubtedly undercut by a relentlessly baby face) insists that I write what I know.

'What,' she asks, waving my manuscript about a father who fears his daughter might be abducted 'Do you know about being a parent?'

Mothers In All But Name is definitely not the showiest, most polished, or glossiest "mama" anthology you're likely to find, but it's certainly a worthwhile addition to the literature on motherhood.

Monday Morning Markets/Jobs/Opportunities

Hint Fiction: "Tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2010, W.W. Norton will publish an anthology of Hint Fiction. What is Hint Fiction? It’s a story of 25 words or less that suggests a larger, more complex story. The thesis of the anthology is to prove that a story 25 words or less can have as much impact as a story 2,500 words or longer. The anthology will include between 100 and 150 stories. We want your best work." Submissions: August 1-31, 2009. Pays: $25/story for World and Audio rights. (via Duotrope.com)
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"The USC Annenberg/Getty Arts Journalism Program is a three week, mid-career education Fellowship for six arts, culture and entertainment editors, producers and writers from online, print, radio and television. Typically one to two of the Fellows come from outside the United States. Journalists who cover the visual and performing arts, architecture, literature and pop culture – and who own these beats either as generalists or specialists – are welcome to apply. Staff, freelancers and self-employed Web journalists are also encouraged." Deadline: July 14, 2009
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Princeton University "is seeking a distinguished poetry writer to join its permanent faculty. Administrative abilities desirable as they may direct the Creative Writing program during the academic year."
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Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is looking for a tenure-track assistant professor in Creative Writing, Fiction, full-time appointment beginning August 2010. MFA or PhD from an accredited institution required by time of appointment. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education, a strong record of publications in fiction, and evidence of academic service.
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"The Creative Writing & Arts Programme, University of Exeter, is looking for two freelance Writers-in-Residence to act as providers, ambassadors and mentors for our Creative Writing activities across the region. The assignments will be for two years, 30 days per year, beginning October 1st 2009. Payment is on a daily rate of £200 + £500 annual travel allowance." Deadline: July 24, 2009.
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The College of New Jersey is looking for a Director of Athletic Communications; Ohio University seeks a Writer/Editor; and Elmhurst College (Ill.) invites applications for Editorial Director, Electronic and Print Media.
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The Milwaukee Irish Fest Poetry Contest 2009 will award the Donn Goodwin Prize ($100) and the Joseph Gahagan Prize ($100) for entries "best reflecting Irish or Irish-American poetry traditions. While the poems do not necessarily need to have direct Irish or Irish-American themes, the winning entries should have a cultural/literary relation to either Ireland or Irish-America." The Goodwin prize is open to all; the Gahagan prize is open only to current Wisconsin residents. No entry fee. Deadline: August 1, 2009. (via CRWROPPS)

Friday Find: Holiday Weekend

Today begins a three-day holiday weekend. I am looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July and getting some reading done. I wish you all a good weekend, and I'll see you back here on Monday!

A Contest Win

Not long ago I told you (both here and in the Practicing Writer newsletter) about the Revenge-Lit contest. I am happy to tell you that one of our subscribers, Charlie Conley, has won that contest!

I met Charlie five summers ago, when we were in Arnost Lustig's Prague Summer Program fiction workshop. He's a very talented writer, and I am thrilled for his latest success. Congratulations, Charlie!

The Wednesday Web Browser: Book Review Edition

The literary Internet has been abuzz this week with accounts of a well-known author's (over)reaction to a review of her new novel in the Boston Globe. But for anyone who's still interested in pursuing/expanding a professional book-reviewing practice (possible criticism of your criticism notwithstanding), today's "Web Browser" will point you to a few new resources:

1) There are lots of ways to learn about new books well ahead of publication (which you generally need to do because most review editors aren't interested in publishing reviews of "old" books). One information source I discovered only recently: Library Journal's Prepub Alerts.

2) And once you've targeted a book for review/obtained an assignment, you need a review copy. Sometimes, review editors do the requesting. But if you're the one tasked with that job, be sure to check out the super-useful Book Publicity Blog's advice.

3) Finally, if you're seeking paying homes for your work, do check out a resource that was mentioned here on Monday: the just-revised The Practicing Writer's Directory of Paying Markets for Book Reviewers and its free preview with sample listings!

(I'm happy to discuss more about book reviewing here on the blog. Please use the "comments" section to list questions/issues you'd like the blog to tackle in future posts.)