Check out article on Bill Sherwonit’s visit to AK Pro Com
December 11, 2009
If you missed Bill Sherwonit’s December 3 talk at the Alaska Professional Communicators luncheon, you can still read up about it at the AK Pro Com website’s “Afterwords" section.
Saroyan International Prize offers $5,000 for newly published works
December 10, 2009
From Jim Misko and the Alaska Writers Guild comes a suggestion to check out the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing.
Explore, celebrate wild nature with Bill Sherwonit
November 27, 2009
Author of Changing Paths and 11 other books, AlaskaWriters member Bill Sherwonit will speak about “exploring and celebrating wild nature” to Alaska Professional Communicators (an organization that is also a member of our site) on Thursday, December 3. Bill is the featured speaker for the luncheon, to be held in the offices of Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC). Sherwonit will speak about “Exploring and Celebrating Wild Nature, from Alaska’s Urban Center to its Remote Backcountry Wilderness.”
Anchorage illustrator, musician releases flute book/CD set
November 24, 2009
A big welcome to Chris Floyd, Anchorage-based illustrator, musician and author of the recently released book and CD set, A Flock of Magpies: Celtic & Folk Melodies for Native American Flute, which he is selling straight from his AlaskaWriters-hosted website, at www.flockofmagpies.com. The website features 30-second mp3’s, so you can hear samples before buying.
Alaskans among those attempting a novel in November
November 08, 2009
The ‘NaNoWriMos’ are at it again: starting and finishing a novel in the month of November (National Novel Writing Month), no matter what it takes--and one group in Anchorage is offering encouragement through regular “write-ins.” Though so far I haven’t finished this annual writer’s marathon, I love the idea of it. Last year, I kept at it until felled by the double-whammy of a cross-country work trip and a strep-like infection. (I do treasure the memory of my airplane seatmate--at trip’s end--begging to know what it was that had kept me scribbling so hard from Seattle to North Carolina.) This year, I’m not a contender. But I encourage you to learn more about this event, which is quite literally inspirational in that it provides the inspiration most writers confess to me they need most: a DEADLINE.
Tip from Ann Chandonnet: Write What You Don’t Know
November 03, 2009
Former longtime Alaskan Ann Fox Chandonnet dropped a line from Vale, NC, where she now lives, to suggest we check out her essay in the November edition of Winoca Books & Media’s newsletter.
Changing Paths explores writer Bill Sherwonit’s relationship with Brooks Range, nature
September 28, 2009
Nature writer Bill Sherwonit, one of our pioneering AlaskaWriters members, announces the release of Changing Paths: Travels and Meditations in Alaska’s Arctic Wilderness, his second literary nonfiction book to be released with University of Alaska Press. Read on for the press release—and be sure to keep an eye on Bill’s website, where he announces upcoming events, including his Oct. 15 book launch (Title Wave, Anchorage, 6 p.m.).
Hint: If after reading his book, you’re inspired to try nature-writing, the author also teaches a 12-week nature-writing classes; next one starts up in January 2010.
Digital Publishing and the Independent Author
September 25, 2009
Independent authors have been among the first to embrace digital publishing and distribution. When I noticed that longtime AlaskaWriters.com subscriber Justin Oldham had become an author available on my Kindle, I asked if he would share the experience and some tips for others who might want to e-publish. In this story, Justin tells how and why he did it, and why he finds satisfaction —and freedom—in the format.
Guild workshop closes out the weekend
August 23, 2009
The Alaska Writers Guild workshop closed out today with a Q&A panel featuring all the faculty. Among the high points of the weekend, I enjoyed publicist Paula Margulies’ talk on “Book Publicity on a Budget”—especially when I found myself getting an unexpected plug by attendees in the room when someone asked a question about website packages made especially for writers. (For those who asked, I have re-posted info about AlaskaWriters Web Packages here. and below) Thanks!
I did not get to attend every session, due to being silly and double-booking myself (or just talking too much). But of the sessions I did get to, other highlights included:
Create your home on the Web in 6 Steps with AlaskaWriter LLC
August 23, 2009
AlaskaWriters.com offers Web site templates designed for writers who need a web site designed for writers, but who don’t have the time or money to mess with web design. The sites can be easily updated, by you, anytime you want. A Web site membership or associate membership with AlaskaWriters.com helps writers promote and celebrate their services, stories and books, starting at less than $100 annually. (Compare to $25 and up per month just to get the typical privately owned site hosted.) Already have a site, but want to benefit from our link and promotion? Become a supporting member starting at $60/year. Follow the link to get started now…
Off to the AK Writers Guild Workshop…
August 21, 2009
It’s hard to stay inside during one of the last weekends of the summer, but I’m forcing myself--in order to be part of the second-ever Alaska Writers Guild Workshop. Not to play favorites, but the presenter I couldn’t leave summer without seeing was keynote Andrew Harmon. He’s described as a theater director, playwright, acting teacher, and improv specialist--as in IMPROV-isation. Reading about his improv connection made me too curious not to attend, since I’ve long respected the art. Improv is a form of “performance writing,” if I may coin a term. There’s a direct line between improv skills and making connections on the page. Beyond that, it just seems fun.
‘Alaska Heat Wave’? Blame it on the Romance Writers…
August 09, 2009
Hot tip: the Alaska chapter of the Romance Writers of America, at akrwa.org, plans to celebrate four new releases by its members in August with an “Alaska Heat Wave” contest. Watch the group’s site for details to be announced as early as Monday.
U. Nebraska Press now filling orders for Nancy Lord’s “Rock, Water, Wild”
August 02, 2009
Alaska’s writer laureate Nancy Lord reports that her book “Rock Water Wild” is already available. Though not expected on book shelves until mid-September, publisher University of Nebraska Press is already filling orders, she says.
Where to look for grant-writing resources in Alaska
August 02, 2009
Recent queries from AlaskaWriters correspondents have included an intriguing and quite earnest-sounding call from an Elvis (or Delvis?), seeking a grant-writer to help him secure funds via a nonprofit to send food, clothing and shoes to orphans and the underprivileged in Cameroon. This isn’t the first time I’ve gotten this kind of request.
I wasn’t able to give him a name, but I could provide some suggestions for grant-writing resources in Alaska. With no specific endorsement implied, here are the resources I shared with him…
Anthology editor seeks “literary snapshots of Alaska”
July 17, 2009
Think you can squeeze Alaska into a nutshell? Anthology editor Michael Engelhard is seeking short prose submissions he calls “micro-narratives”—as well as photos— for an upcoming anthology: Cold Flashes: Literary Snapshots of Alaska. His call for submissions follows…
Parallel logic: when it sounds right without ever actually touching reality
July 12, 2009
AlaskaWriters member and Anchorage-based columnist Elise Patkotak informs us there is a new edition out of her book Parallel Logic, her personal tale of moving, at 25, from New Jersey to Barrow, Alaska.
UAA writing program hosts public readings in July
July 02, 2009
For the second year in a row, more than a dozen of the biggest names in fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry will be in Anchorage mid-July to give a series of free public readings at UAA.
Another recent redesign…
July 02, 2009
Please take a moment to visit and admire the redesign of member site KDPR Virtual.com by Kathy Day, of KD/PR, a virtual agency providing public relations services
The New Face of AlaskaWriters.com
June 28, 2009
The long-hinted-at AlaskaWriters site redesign is finally with us. Come on in! The changes go beyond the cosmetic. In addition to being more colorful, the site is also far easier for me to update, since it is now technically a blog. AlaskaWriters has also gone back to its roots, as a source of community inspiration and exchange of information about and for Alaska writers and their organizations.
If you are a member or supporting member, please help inaugurate the new look. Contribute your recent/upcoming book release news and other news items by the last Friday of the month to get into next month’s lineup. If you are not a member, please consider joining! Supporting memberships start at $50/year (for those not needing a home page), and—in addition to gratitude and a link to your site—get you a place in our “Books by Alaska Authors” section and the ability to promote yourself and your work via this site.*
Writers Guild Workshop set for August ‘09
June 27, 2009
Writing organization Alaska Writers Guild is having a workshop-based event in Anchorage August 22 and 23, 2009 on “The Art and Business of Writing.” If you have an interest, send in your registration soon; the fee is $200 (or $175 if you are a Guild member) before July 10, 2009, or $225 through July 22.
Last thought from Barbara, but surely not the final word!
June 26, 2009
Barbara Brown, an AlaskaWriters member and writer/producer of KSKA’s public radio program “Hold This Thought,” announced at the end of March 2009 that she was sharing her last thought for the program. If you haven’t listened to it before, “Hold this Thought” is a daily, 1-minute thought from literature, history, or culture designed to inspire reflection and conversation. The “thoughts” were submitted by listeners via the website www.holdthisthought.org.
Congratulations to AKRWA contest winners
June 15, 2009
One of our member sites, the Alaska Chapter of the national organization, Romance Writers of America, recently updated its home page with congratulations to Misty Circle, winner of the group’s “2009 Break-Up Contest.” Second and Third Place winners were Jamie Welebob and Lesli Lent.
Last AK Pro Com lunch of the season: June 4
May 31, 2009
From the AK Professional Communicators site: “Join us for our annual membership meeting, and the last luncheon of the season, on Thursday, June 4.
AKProCom Contest entries due soon
May 21, 2009
It’s time to get entries together for the annual Alaska Professional Communicators Communications Contest. The contest is open to all Alaskans. (Membership is not necessary unless your entry goes on to the national level.) Entry fees are $20 members; $30 nonmembers. Categories include Media, Books, PR, Speeches and Internet Communications. Deadline: February 5, 2009, for work done in 2008. More information at on the akprocom.org contest page.
Outdoor/adventure writer joins site; welcome to Melissa DeVaughn
May 21, 2009
Please take a few moments to check out the website of our newest member, travel writer Melissa DeVaughn. Melissa is author of “The Unofficial Guide to Adventure Travel in Alaska,” “Off the Beaten Path Alaska” and contributing writer to the Frommers destination book, “Dream Vacations”. She also writes a weekly outdoors column for the Anchorage Daily News. Her site is http://www.melissadevaughn.com.
AK Pro Communicators Announces Statewide Contest Winners
May 04, 2009
In early May, Alaska Professional Communicators honored winners in the group’s “2009 Communication Contest.” All first-place award winners will go on to compete at the national level in the National Federation of Press Women contest. Among the statewide winners was AlaskaWriters member Elise Patkotak.
Nancy Lord: Another Writer Laureate in our midst!
October 01, 2008
Congratulations to AlaskaWriters member Nancy Lord, of Homer, who has been named Alaska’s newest Writer Laureate by the Alaska State Council on the Arts.
Outdoor/adventure writer joins site; welcome to Melissa DeVaughn
June 27, 2008
Please take a few moments to check out the website of our newest member, travel writer Melissa DeVaughn.
Bill Sherwonit pens book of essays, Living With Wildness: An Alaskan Odyssey
June 01, 2008
AlaskaWriters member Bill Sherwonit announces the release of his book, Living with Wildness: An Alaskan Odyssey.
Questions & Answers with Charles Hayes
December 17, 2003
“Sales as a direct result of the Web site are sporadic, and sometimes it’s hard to figure out why I’m all of a sudden getting lots of attention.”
— Charles D. Hayes
Alaska Writers Homestead talks with Wasilla, Alaska author and self-learning advocate Charles Hayes about how he turned his personal passion for what he has dubbed “self-education” into a well-subscribed newsletter, active Web site and self-publishing company that has sold, he says, “thousands” of books. His most recent book was a novel, Portals in a Northern Sky.
