Opportunity to Meet with Tim O'Brien

As part of the One Book, One Community program, Tim O'Brien will be speaking on the WestConn campus on Tuesday, October 26th. A few graduate students will be able to meet with him before his evening presentation.

If you are interested in meeting Tim O'Brien, let me know as soon as possible -- it is first come, first serve.

Holly

Happy Blogoversary to Me!

Hi everyone,

While I have learned a thing or two about blogging, my posts are all over the lot. Hence, the title, Odds, Ends, and Beginnings! Help me celebrate -- stop by and say hello. Tell me what you think? Is there a brand developing?

One Book, One Community 2010

This year’s book selection: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Click on the title link for information, and take advantage of the many programs this forum provides. Events, including book discussions and film screenings, run throughout October 2010, culminating with a presentation by the author on October 26th on the WSCU midtown campus.

Sponsored by the Danbury Library, Danbury Public Schools and Western Connecticut State University.

If you’re in the area, take advantage of these programs and let others know about them!

The Rectangle

Hey guys, just thought maybe I'd share some good news: The poem I submitted last spring to The Rectangle (a national journal!) has finally reached a decision. I'll be published in their 2011 and 86th issue! This poem is the culmination of my study abroad experience in Japan in 2009 (and the duality between hospitality and alienation I discovered there). Entitled "Finding Janus: An Afternoon of Butterflies, Or a Reflection On Cultural Politics," a few of you from Don Stitt's workshop this past residency may remember it as the one I struggled to read, ha. I'll get a link when there is one!

Battle Runes Anthology t publish my work

Hi all, wanted to share the great news! I've just had 9 poems accepted for inclusion in an anthology called Battle Runes published by Editions Bibliotekos. It is due out next year.

Writer in Residence Positions, Fordham

A research-based English department with a growing undergraduate creative writing program and an M.A. with writing concentration seeks two Writers in Residence: a Fiction writer (with secondary expertise in Creative Non-Fiction or Poetry preferred) and a Creative Non-Fiction writer (with secondary expertise in Fiction or Poetry preferred). Required: MFA or PhD, teaching experience and at least one book publication. These visiting positions are for one year (renewable to three) with alternating responsibilities at the Bronx and Lincoln Center campuses. Responsibilities include: teaching graduate and undergraduate writing workshops; leading undergraduate and graduate tutorials; advising campus literary publications; assisting with University reading series and creative writing prizes; participating in the administration of creative writing program. Course load: 2/2. Competitive salary with benefits. Fordham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Submit required application form electronically here: http://www.fordham.edu/writerinresidence. Additionally, send letter of application and C.V. to Chair, Writer in Residence Search Committee, Fordham University, Dept. of English, Room 541W, Dealy Hall, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458. Electronic application and postmark deadlines are November 1st.

Haunted Legends, four years in the making

In January 2007, I came up with an idea for an anthology so obvious nobody had bothered doing it before—"true" regional ghost stories written by real writers instead of by the local weirdo. It's almost four years later, and after many twists and turns, including finally teaming up with one of the most acclaimed anthologists in the world of fantasy in Ellen Datlow, Haunted Legends is out today, via Tor Books.




Just in time for the Halloween season, in simultaneous hardcover, trade paperback, and Kindle release. We have a great mix of veteran writers such as Pat Cadigan and Joe Lansdale, to new writers such as Carrie Laben and John Mantooth. Styles range from the classic horror tropes and tones of Ramsey Campbell to the experimentalism of Lily Hoang.

I've published or contributed to a lot of books over the years, but this is my first interaction with a Big Six publisher, so the book should be in stores all over the country. I hope some of you check it out.

Creative Nonfiction's MFA Program-Off

CONTEST: Creative Nonfiction's MFA Program-Off
postmark deadline November 5, 2010

Win publication and bragging rights for your program!

Creative Nonfiction is looking for new work by MFA students for publication in an upcoming issue. The winner and four finalists will be invited to read during the 2011 AWP Conference in Washington, DC (February 2-5, 2011).

Submission Guidelines:

• All submissions must be typed, double-spaced, 3,000 words or fewer, and unpublished
• This is a blind read; author's name should appear on cover letter only; title must appear on every page
• No excerpts will be accepted--submission must be a single and complete piece
• Essays must be written by a student who is currently enrolled in an MFA program (in any genre)
• We will consider only one submission per person

Please send submissions, along with a cover letter that includes your name, university, total word count, and complete contact information (including email and phone number) to:

Creative Nonfiction
Attn: AWP Program-Off
5501 Walnut Street, Suite 202
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Thanks to Mark Sundeen for this listing! The MFA program has had a winner in the past -- please consider submitting.

Enrichment Project Proposals due Sept. 15th

A reminder to get your enrichment project proposal to me by Wednesday, September 15th. You can download the proposal form from the Forms section of the MFA website.

Reading in NYC Tonight

If you find yourself in NYC this evening with nothing to do, come down to the KGB Bar (85 East 4th between Bowery and 2nd Ave) from 7-9PM. I and other hell strung and crooked authors will be reading in support of the new anthology.

I got my author's copy of the anthology and I have to say it is AWESOME--not really because I am in it, but because it has some of the most dynamic poetry in it that I have read in some time. Frankly, I am surprised to be included. If you are a poet (or love great writing) you should get a copy of this book. I do not make a thin dime from books sold (what else is new?), so this is unbiased praise for the anthology. Check it out. You can get it from Amazon.com or pick up a copy at the reading...

ISBN: 978-0-9799792-2-4

144 pages

$15

Pecan Grove Press Says yes!

Hi all. Great news! I just found out yesterday that Pecan Grove Press accepted my manuscript, "What We Sign Up For" for publication. It will be out in 2011. The manuscript was my thesis, formerly known as "Tea With Elders."