Wednesday, September 28, 2011
January Residency Dates
The January residency will run from Jan. 2 through 8 (the only events on the 2nd are the new student orientation at 4:00 and evening mixer, and the 8th is travel only). Full schedule of events from the 3rd through 7th. I know the web site currently says 1st-7th; we'll get that corrected.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Pizza and a Movie Night @ January Residency
Because the Pizza and a Movie night was such a big hit in August (thank you, Laura Hayden!), we're going to bring it back in January--and my hope is that the university will cover the cost of the pizza this time! Will keep you updated on this high-finance budgetary matter.
Meanwhile, what films would you suggest for the screening (assuming that Kristin and Sara will not have The Writer's Life ready for us yet...)?
Meanwhile, what films would you suggest for the screening (assuming that Kristin and Sara will not have The Writer's Life ready for us yet...)?
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Writer's Room
New York Times bestselling author, Wendy Corsi Staub was my first guest in The Writer's Room, a new television series now being broadcast on Comcast in upstate New York. I'm thrilled to report that we've been invited to produce additional episodes. We'll be recording them this fall. Next up is another New York Times bestseller, Mary Jane Clark.
In this interview, Wendy was incredibly forthcoming. We discussed her writing process, how she juggles so many projects at one time (she writes three to five books a year, all excellent, and most of them bestsellers), and her suggestions for new authors as they navigate the road to publication. Here's the two links to the two parts of my interview with Wendy:
PART ONE: http://www.youtube.com/user/WritersRoomProject#p/a/u/0/0AZ5u5p9B7g
PART TWO: http://www.youtube.com/user/WritersRoomProject#p/a/u/0/--BNjjYxvSI
In this interview, Wendy was incredibly forthcoming. We discussed her writing process, how she juggles so many projects at one time (she writes three to five books a year, all excellent, and most of them bestsellers), and her suggestions for new authors as they navigate the road to publication. Here's the two links to the two parts of my interview with Wendy:
PART ONE: http://www.youtube.com/user/WritersRoomProject#p/a/u/0/0AZ5u5p9B7g
PART TWO: http://www.youtube.com/user/WritersRoomProject#p/a/u/0/--BNjjYxvSI
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Academic Freedom and Tenure
Those of you who are in academia or who want to be in academia might be interested in the top few posts on this new blog from AAUP. If you wonder whether tenure really helps to protect academic freedom, take a gander:
http://academeblog.org/
http://academeblog.org/
Friday, September 16, 2011
Naugatuck River Review
Hello - just wanted to let y'all know that my poem, "Taming the Quinetucket," was recently published in the Naugatuck River Review. (more info)
I've been impressed with the quality of writing in this issue, and they are open to emerging poets, so you may want to submit something yourselves!
I've been impressed with the quality of writing in this issue, and they are open to emerging poets, so you may want to submit something yourselves!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Internship(s)
I know those of you who are doing the Internship class this semester already have situations lined up, but someone among you might be interested in this opportunity just for the experience. I know many of you are interested in blogging as a tool for PR, branding, etc.
This opportunity came to me directly from Julie Braun at Super Interns. She is very eager to place MFA students in internships. I understand that Mike Gilday has already worked with SI, so I'm sure he can tell you what it's like working for their clients on virtual internships. If this particular internship doesn't interest you, but you want to see what else Julie has, contact her at julie@superinterns.com or
Julie assures me that she gets "hundreds" of internship opportunities for writers--so keep her in mind if you need to line up an internship later... Info below.
Your Title: Writing and Blogger Extraordinaire (you will never be referred to as “the Intern”)
Company Information: e-patchesandcrests.com is an online company providing fun activity and custom embroidered patches to Girl Guides, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Our vision is to become a one-stop resource center for all things Guiding/Scouting.
Internship Description: Research and write exciting, hands-on learning material and activities for kids based on specific themes such as Astronomy, Dinosaurs, Environmental Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Self Esteem, etc. After the project is complete we will complete a review and finalize by having you post your writings on our website. Finally, you will document the process of being a professional blogger.
Ideal Candidate: Seeking an enthusiastic writer-in-the-making who wants to learn how to be a professional blogger. Need to have the ability to learn, follow directions, communicate weekly by phone or Skype, work virtually and be organized. You will need a phone or computer with Skype. Having been or still a Girl Guide / Girl Scout / Boy Scout member is desirable but not necessary.
Benefits: These non-monetary benefits will help you go from where you are today to where you want to be. You will:
• Be a published author and have material to include in your future portfolio.
• Learn hands-on skills, gain experiences, and knowledge that you can’t get in a classroom.
• Receive free product from our website.
• Leave with a letter of recommendation and an amazing resume upon successful conclusion of your internship.
• Save time and money on commuting because this is a virtual internship.
• See the inner workings of a successful online business.
• Work directly with the CEO of the company.
Timeline: Start September 2011 - January 2012 (negotiable)
Compensation: Unpaid internship - academic credit will be arranged for anyone requiring it.
How to apply: Send your resume to apply@e-patchesandcrests.com
This opportunity came to me directly from Julie Braun at Super Interns. She is very eager to place MFA students in internships. I understand that Mike Gilday has already worked with SI, so I'm sure he can tell you what it's like working for their clients on virtual internships. If this particular internship doesn't interest you, but you want to see what else Julie has, contact her at julie@superinterns.com or
203.887.1824
Julie assures me that she gets "hundreds" of internship opportunities for writers--so keep her in mind if you need to line up an internship later... Info below.
Your Title: Writing and Blogger Extraordinaire (you will never be referred to as “the Intern”)
Company Information: e-patchesandcrests.com is an online company providing fun activity and custom embroidered patches to Girl Guides, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Our vision is to become a one-stop resource center for all things Guiding/Scouting.
Internship Description: Research and write exciting, hands-on learning material and activities for kids based on specific themes such as Astronomy, Dinosaurs, Environmental Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Self Esteem, etc. After the project is complete we will complete a review and finalize by having you post your writings on our website. Finally, you will document the process of being a professional blogger.
Ideal Candidate: Seeking an enthusiastic writer-in-the-making who wants to learn how to be a professional blogger. Need to have the ability to learn, follow directions, communicate weekly by phone or Skype, work virtually and be organized. You will need a phone or computer with Skype. Having been or still a Girl Guide / Girl Scout / Boy Scout member is desirable but not necessary.
Benefits: These non-monetary benefits will help you go from where you are today to where you want to be. You will:
• Be a published author and have material to include in your future portfolio.
• Learn hands-on skills, gain experiences, and knowledge that you can’t get in a classroom.
• Receive free product from our website.
• Leave with a letter of recommendation and an amazing resume upon successful conclusion of your internship.
• Save time and money on commuting because this is a virtual internship.
• See the inner workings of a successful online business.
• Work directly with the CEO of the company.
Timeline: Start September 2011 - January 2012 (negotiable)
Compensation: Unpaid internship - academic credit will be arranged for anyone requiring it.
How to apply: Send your resume to apply@e-patchesandcrests.com
Times/UN Course Opportunity
On September 26th, The New York Times Knowledge Network is launching an online journalism course with the United Nations designed to help Egyptian and Tunisian journalists learn how to cover the upcoming elections. The journalists will work directly with our newsroom to gain an understanding of election coverage; the course will be in both English and Arabic with an exciting mix of asynchronous and live sessions, fully online.
The initiative is funded through the UN. The New York Times will provide 50 free seats to AASCU graduate journalism students in the U.S. --- at no cost. This will in effect provide a front row seat to the first “Arab Spring”. Students will also learn quite a bit about journalism from The New York Times newsroom.
Below is the course outline. There is a limit of 3 graduate students per AASCU campus. The New York Times will also provide access for the faculty members of these students, whom we strongly encourage to participate.
To register, please contact Brian by email no later than Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 22nd.
The initiative is funded through the UN. The New York Times will provide 50 free seats to AASCU graduate journalism students in the U.S. --- at no cost. This will in effect provide a front row seat to the first “Arab Spring”. Students will also learn quite a bit about journalism from The New York Times newsroom.
Below is the course outline. There is a limit of 3 graduate students per AASCU campus. The New York Times will also provide access for the faculty members of these students, whom we strongly encourage to participate.
To register, please contact Brian by email no later than Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 22nd.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Assistant Professor Opening in St. Louis
Below is a job announcement sent to me by a friend.
Washington University in Saint Louis: The Writing Program in the Dept. of English seeks an emerging writer of creative nonfiction for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in the fall semester of 2012. We particularly seek candidates with experience writing & teaching narrative or literary journalism. The teaching expectation is two courses per semester & will include creative nonfiction workshops & craft courses at the undergraduate & MFA levels. The new faculty member will assist with the continued development of the creative nonfiction curriculum, will advise undergraduate English majors, & will mentor MFA fiction & poetry students interested in nonfiction as a secondary genre; beyond the expected work of continued publication, the new faculty member will participate in departmental governance & university service. An MFA or PhD in creative writing is expected; a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching is required; at least one book of creative nonfiction must be published or completed & under contract. Interviews will be conducted at the MLA convention in Seattle in Jan. The application process is two parts. Please send a cover letter, c.v., & statement of approach to teaching undergraduate & graduate creative writing, to our online application service, https://jobs.wustl.edu, & provide the reference of job # 22425. Three letters of recommendation & a writing sample of 25-40 pages may be sent by post to Professor Vincent Sherry, Nonfiction Search Committee Chair, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1122, One Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130. Preference will be given to applications received before Nov. 10, 2011. Employment eligibility verification required upon hire. EOE/AA (AWP).
Washington University in Saint Louis: The Writing Program in the Dept. of English seeks an emerging writer of creative nonfiction for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in the fall semester of 2012. We particularly seek candidates with experience writing & teaching narrative or literary journalism. The teaching expectation is two courses per semester & will include creative nonfiction workshops & craft courses at the undergraduate & MFA levels. The new faculty member will assist with the continued development of the creative nonfiction curriculum, will advise undergraduate English majors, & will mentor MFA fiction & poetry students interested in nonfiction as a secondary genre; beyond the expected work of continued publication, the new faculty member will participate in departmental governance & university service. An MFA or PhD in creative writing is expected; a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching is required; at least one book of creative nonfiction must be published or completed & under contract. Interviews will be conducted at the MLA convention in Seattle in Jan. The application process is two parts. Please send a cover letter, c.v., & statement of approach to teaching undergraduate & graduate creative writing, to our online application service, https://jobs.wustl.edu, & provide the reference of job # 22425. Three letters of recommendation & a writing sample of 25-40 pages may be sent by post to Professor Vincent Sherry, Nonfiction Search Committee Chair, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1122, One Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130. Preference will be given to applications received before Nov. 10, 2011. Employment eligibility verification required upon hire. EOE/AA (AWP).
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Great definition of noir
I thought you might be interested in the following definition of "noir." This quote comes from an article in Publishers Weekly in which Dennis Lehane and Eddie Muller, two bestselling thriller writers (who specialize in noir), discussed the subject.
“Long before we met, I read your work on noir and taught your book,” [Dennis Lehane] told [Eddie] Muller, referring to Dark City: The Lost World of Film Noir. Muller has called noir “working class tragedy,” and Lehane agreed with that assessment.
“In Greek tragedy they fall from great heights,” said Lehane. “In noir they fall from the curb.”
Doesn't that just knock your socks off?
The full article is here: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/page-to-screen/article/48437-dennis-lehane-talks-noir-politics-and-how-clint-eastwood-sounds-on-the-phone.html
“Long before we met, I read your work on noir and taught your book,” [Dennis Lehane] told [Eddie] Muller, referring to Dark City: The Lost World of Film Noir. Muller has called noir “working class tragedy,” and Lehane agreed with that assessment.
“In Greek tragedy they fall from great heights,” said Lehane. “In noir they fall from the curb.”
Doesn't that just knock your socks off?
The full article is here: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/page-to-screen/article/48437-dennis-lehane-talks-noir-politics-and-how-clint-eastwood-sounds-on-the-phone.html
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Deadly Threads - Harlequin Book Club
Deadly Threads, Josie #6, has been picked up by the Harlequin Book Club. They're bringing it out in paperback next April, shortly before Josie #7 (Dolled Up for Murder) will be published in hardcover by St. Martin's Minotaur. What's especially interesting about this is that I don't have much romance in the Josie books. It makes me wonder how much romance in a mystery is enough to satisfy romance readers. Anyway... it's good news and I wanted to share it!
Friday, September 02, 2011
Paperback & ebook of STAYING ALIVE: A LOVE STORY Available
If you remember, news of the publication of my memoir, last spring, proved premature when the first publisher returned the rights to me. So, I waited to announce this development until paperback and ebook were available on amazon and b&n.com.
Once again, I invite you to read STAYING ALIVE: A LOVE STORY - this time, no ifs, ands, or buts.
To pre-order the paperback click here. The book will be released September 15 - really!
Can't wait? Then download for Kindle by clicking here or for Nook by clicking here. You can also read the first two essays - and then some - on the Kindle site.
For more information on the book, click here.
Thanks for waiting, clicking, and reading.
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