The Brontë Bell Chapel in Thornton, West Yorkshire was vandalized. (Courtesy of Mail Online)
Tag Archives: News
[News] Putting a Face to the Poet: Is This Emily Dickinson?
According to experts, the answer is yes. It’s only the second known image of the poet, and the first showing her as an adult. ‘Tis a big deal, no? Still No New Pynchon Photo, but Here’s Emily Dickinson-The New York Times
Emily Dickinson gets a new look in recovered photograph-The Guardian
[News] Gore Vidal is Dead
“Many writers who choose to be active in the world lose not virtue but time, and that stillness without which literature cannot be made.”-Gore Vidal (1925-2012)
One day, I hope that the deaths of famous authors is considered new worthy in this country. Oh, who am I kidding? Suri Cruise visiting Disney World is, and will remain, way more important. Carry on.
Alternative Muse of the Month News-Katherine Mansfield Edition
Four Katherine Mansfield short stories were recently discovered by a college student, along with several photographs. All were previously unknown. This is fantastic news for fans of Katherine Mansfield and students of the short story. If you are pleased or titillated by this news, thank Chris Mourant. Kudos, sir!
Women Writing for a Change ‘Spring Fling’ Podcast!
A few weeks ago, I participated in a podcast for Women Writing for a Change here in The Queen City. Although I was puffy and a bit out-of-sorts due to major sinus issues, the entire experience was several sorts of fun. My kilt-clad honey was there for moral support; the organizers even invited him into “the circle” (quite the important thing), where he unleashed his singular brand of brash, intellectual charm on all of my co-writer-readers. There followed nearly two hours of creative rituals, snacks, networking, laughter and, of course, podcast recording.
As host Carol Stewart said in her intro to the ‘Spring Fling’-themed podcast, we are “sending forth words that are bold and necessary”. Twelve writers offering twelve entirely different perspectives, a dozen voices ultimately uniting in a rising and triumphant exultation to the new season; there is stunning individuality but a cohesive flow is maintained. Written in ten minutes on a Sunday afternoon, with the only goal being to stave off boredom whilst maintaining a comfortable laziness, my contribution is brief and humble. It initially appeared here as Intermezzo: The Sky is Flaunting Itself. It’s quick but descriptive; after reading it twenty times I’m still content with it and am glad that I did not embellish it for this recording.
I am the third reader in the first segment. Be sure to check out my friend Angela Muchmore in the second segment, where she reads a lovely original poem. The podcast is available as a free download on iTunes. It can also be found on the WWFC web-site.
[News]-Poet Adrienne Rich is Dead
Award-winning poet Adrienne Rich is dead. She was 82. More information can be found on The Rumpus or at the Los Angeles Times. I’d write more but I’m eager to curl up with some of her poems and a cup of tea. There is no better way to honor a writer’s memory than by reading their carefully crafted words.
“A thinking woman sleeps with monsters.”-Adrienne Rich
[News] Spring Fling Podcast
Now that we are on the edge of Spring, I expect every day to be as wonderful as yesterday was: balmy and lovely and energizing. When I kicked open the door at work at 12:40 and skipped out onto the sidewalk (yes, this really happened), it almost felt as if I was playing hooky from my pesky work-a-day obligations. Instead, I simply transitioned from one self to another, from something practical to something vital and necessary.
I spent a couple of happy, creative and stimulating hours in the company of a dozen talented women (and my husband!), as we recorded a Spring-themed podcast for Women Writing for (a) Change. Regular readers of this blog will recognize my piece as one that originally posted here, ‘Intermezzo: The Sky is Flaunting Itself‘. The podcast will be available later this month. It is a must-hear for anyone eager to push away the cobwebs of the dying dark season. You will be inspired by words of regeneration, beauty and clarity. I will update you with the particulars as they become available.
[News] Growing Pains
You may have noticed that we’ve recently been sticking to just the basics-Project 366, Voices from the Grave, etc. There’s nothing to fear, really! We are working on some snazzy, more comprehensive additions to the blog. You’ll start seeing new things as early as next week. We have grand plans for the month of March and the dawning of Spring. We cannot wait to share them with you. We know your time is precious; thank you for letting us share our small press passion with you. 
[Literary News]-The Save Undershaw Preservation Trust
As part of a new series on creative spaces, I’ll be writing more on the subject of writers’ homes over the coming months. Until then, check out this site for information on the plan currently afoot (hehe) to save Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved home, Undershaw.