Book freeze...or no?

An article in today's New York Times puts things a bit more in perspective, especially after yesterday's report in the Wall Street Journal that my publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, is putting a freeze on acquiring new manuscripts, for at least six months.

More on Annie Proulx

In an Oct. 18 post, I linked to an article Susan Salter Reynolds wrote about Annie Proulx. I don't know whether you read it, but even if you did, this bears repeating:

"Proulx believes the computer is 'the enemy of careful writing.' She prefers to write by hand, using the computer as 'a joinery device.'

"'There's something about the rhythm of writing on the page with a pen,' she says, 'that is richly fulfilling--like drawing a picture.'"

Yes. I love my fountain pen, which now contains a cartridge with purple ink. My favorite ink is turquoise, though. Makes the writing process more colorful, all those turquoise lines and curls falling upon the page, page after page.

Here she is, interviewed by Charlie Rose, in 1999.

Tomorrow's radio show

On Weds., my guest will be ASJA friend Sam Greengard, author of Finding the Work You Love: The Essential Guide to Reinventing Your Life (AARP). Click here. 9 a.m. Pacific, 88.9 FM or listen via iTunes at KUCI-FM, or online at www.kuci.org.

Podcasts of previous shows can be found here.

The Paris Review

Thanks to ASJA compadre Pat McNees for pointing out this site. Read interviews online from the notable Paris Review. I have a few of the Paris Review Interviews (I like paper, and don't like to bring the laptop to bed), but you may like reading them online. And saving dinero.

Maureen Dowd in the NYT

I love this.

Wednesday's "Writers on Writing" KUCI-FM

Tomorrow, my co-host Marrie Stone moderates a post-election day poetry panel, including poets Lisa Williams, author of Woman Reading to the Sea: Poems, Linda Pastan, author of Queen of a Rainy Country: Poems and Martha Serpas, author of The Dirty Side of the Storm: Poems.

Tune in Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. PT at 88.9 FM, KUCI, or go to iTunes and listen via public radio.

Past shows can be heard here.

Thanks for listening!

Barbara

On losing well

Interesting piece in the Washington Post that can certainly be applied to writing. (Thanks to my student, Patricia.)

I can't resist

The election is almost over--thank goodness, some of you are saying. You just want me to return to writing. I know, I know. Well, this is writing-related. Some levity, in the face of these oh-so-serious political days. Thanks to Deb, for forwarding it to me.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

I've wanted to build a Day of the Dead altar for some time, but never have--until the other day. The more I learn about this celebration, the more I like it. Celebrating the dead and making light of death rather than fearing it, rather than it being a deep, dark, scary matter. In Catholicism, we know of this day as All Soul's Day. Google "Day of the Dead" and you'll find a ton of links. Here's a recent food-related article in the Los Angeles Times about the day. Here's our altar--a converted mantel.

Garrison Keillor in Slate magazine

Click here.

Writers Retreat

Here's something writing related (esp. for you, J.)...

I'll be the featured author at this overnight retreat on the weekend following election week. It sounds like a gorgeous setting and a fun, inspiring time. The organizers tell me there's still a couple of openings. Here you go:
.................

The Write Coast Read and Critique is hosting its 8th fiction writer's retreat -- this time with critiques, discourse and instruction led by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, whose writing and teaching career includes publication of the well-received "Pen on Fire" and her weekly radio broadcast of "Writers on Writing."

The venue -- a ranch home on 11-acres in North San Diego County -- lends itself to immersing yourself in creativity and craft along with other writers. Up to 12 participants shed their day jobs and share and learn with others devoted to writing.

Barbara has graciously agreed to conduct a read and critique (everyone will read up to 6 pages of any work of their choice) and to provide a lecture on specific topics. Topics under consideration include "How and Why to Select a Point of View," "How and Why to Select Present or Past Tense."

Novelists, memoirists and short story writers welcome. Two (possibly three) openings remain, and we love having new participants.

The nonrefundable $110 fee for the retreat (commencing Friday, 11/7/08 at 4:00 p.m. and ending Saturday, 11/8/08 at 5:00 p.m.) includes meals and drinks and an overnight stay on Friday. You need not stay overnight, but the fee remains the same. The Friday night three-hour workshop begins after dinner at around 7:00 p.m. Those who stay overnight often continue sharing writing experiences and questions into the wee hours, if they so choose. The first of two three-hour work shops on Satruday starts at 9:00 a.m.

Sending the fee to Laurie Richards, 28104 No. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92069, reserves your place. Laurie will then contact you with specific details for directions and anything you should bring with you. To speak or e-mail with Laurie: ljrichards@wintonlarson.com; (760) 727-1758 (evening) or (951) 308-1555 (daytime).

Al Qaeda endorses McCain

You don't hear McCain talking about this endorsement.

Wednesday's "Writers on Writing" KUCI-FM

It was suggested that I should start posting upcoming shows (thanks, Luke). I've meant to, but it always just slips my mind since I send out a weekly e-list to about 400 - 500 people on my list.

So here goes:

Peter Ferry, author of Travel Writing, Heather King, author of Redeemed, and Anne Roiphe, author of Epilogue.

Speaking of photos....

I love these photos of Obama on the campaign trail for the last two years. So moving.

And these are fun and moving too.

What you see

Observational skills are a big deal for a writer--for anyone, actually, but especially for artists who need to see and to translate what they see into words. For me, photographs help me see what's there. Here are a few from last night (my newly carved pumpkin) on through to this morning, just minutes ago. What do you see from where you sit, or when you get up and walk around your surroundings?

Visiting with your writing

I've posted this link before (I think), but here it is again, Walter Mosley on why you need to visit with your writing daily.

Also, here's a link to a poem that one devoted blog reader, J., thinks is perhaps the greatest thing he ever read.

If you have any links to writings you want us to read, please post!

Annie Proulx in the Times

An article on the reclusive Proulx.

Birthday

Here's what I walked out to find at 5:30 this morning. Thanks so much, relatives, friends and acquaintances, for all of your sweet birthday wishes. What am I doing on my special day? Well, I do want to watch the debate....it's true. Wonder where there's a restaurant in these parts with it on and the sound turned on, too, with people eating and yelling (or moaning). That may be where we end up.

Authors for Obama

An event you might be interested in.

And a video.

Recuperating ...

... after the Angels' momentous loss. Still reading the Sports page first thing, before any other section of the newspaper. And still getting used to the fact that I'm a fan of baseball, and specifically, the Angels. As for football, no thanks, and boxing, as Sonia brought up the other day, Yuck. If anyone loves boxing, please, tell me why, and what it does for you. I want to understand...I do.

I have the best students in the world. As well as being and great people to know and wonderful writers, they know how to throw a party and make their teacher happy. A total surprise! I loved it. This is one of three cakes
they brought last night for a surprise birthday fest (which is actually next week, a dark night for the class, the night of the debate. What will my family be doing on my birthday? Watching the debate from a restaurant or home! Better order something easily digestible...).

Speaking of which ... I'm trying not to veer into politics, trying not to put down Palin too terrilby much or repeat too often how McCain's voice and the phrases he uses ("my friends" ERGH) bug me, so I won't.

I'll close now, and go work on my novel and The ASJA Monthly.

What's new with y'all? Tell me something!