American author Joy Williams: ‘The comfy story has got to change’

The novelist and short story writer on her new book about Azrael, the angel of death, her encounters with Raymond Carver and Richard Yates, and why fiction should be uncannyJoy Williams, 80, has written five novels and four story collections and is the recipient of numerous awards. Her most recent book of short stories, Concerning the Future of Souls: 99 Stories of Azrael (Tuskar Rock), was published earlier this year. Her work ranges from the philosophical examination of being, belief and morality to urgent engagements with environmental catastrophe; James Salter wrote of her that she belongs in the company of Céline and Flannery O’Connor. Born in Massachusetts, she now lives in the Sonoran desert.An earlier collection of yours was called 99 Stories of God, and now you’ve moved on to Azrael (the angel of death and transporter of souls) as the subject. What drew you to him?I read in a WS Merwin collection his translation of Hadrian’s deathbed poem to his soul – Animula vagula blandula – so sorrowful and succinct. The soul, a worthy subject. And Azrael has always fascinated me: he was death, but not death exactly. He was more a gorgeous creation of Islam. I picture him as responsible for all the souls of this ensouled Earth. Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2024-10-19 17:00:20 UTC ]
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Facebook touts small biz benefits as News Feed changes spark fear

African-American- and Hispanic-owned small businesses get the most benefit out of Facebook, a new study concludes, even as the company’s recent changes to News Feed seem likely to make it harder for such operations to drum up customers. According to a study published today by the U.S. Chamber of... Continue reading at Fast Company

[ Fast Company | 2018-01-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children's Authors and Books to Watch for at Winter Institute 13

We’ve gathered a selection of children’s and YA authors to meet at this year’s Winter Institute, will take place January 22–25 in Memphis. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-01-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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‘Awesome dynamic’: Influencer marketing gets a boost with Facebook changes

As Facebook decides to favor content from friends and family over publishers' posts, agency buyers are telling clients to focus on influencer content. The post ‘Awesome dynamic’: Influencer marketing gets a boost with Facebook changes appeared first on Digiday. Continue reading at Digiday

[ Digiday | 2018-01-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Midlist authors plug big-brand gap in 2017 review

In 2017 the marginal growth was propelled not by breakout bestsellers, but by undervalued—perhaps literally—midlist writers. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2018-01-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Facebook’s news feed change won’t help social media addiction | Eleni Stefanou

Mark Zuckerberg says he wants to ensure Facebook is good for people’s wellbeing – but its business model remains unalteredWhen Facebook announced it was tuning out publishers and brands to focus on friends, family and “meaningful interactions”, my immediate response was relief. I desperately... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2018-01-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Publishers, already shifting dependence from Facebook, are expected to accelerate that in wake of news feed change

Before Facebook announced its news feed changes, many publishers were working to minimize their dependence on the platform's referral traffic. The post Publishers, already shifting dependence from Facebook, are expected to accelerate that in wake of news feed change appeared first on Digiday. Continue reading at Digiday

[ Digiday | 2018-01-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Brotopia' author defends book after Musk says she should be 'ashamed'

Bloomberg TV host Emily Chang on Friday responded to criticisms of her description of an alleged "sex party" at venture capitalist Steve Jurveton's house in her upcoming book. Tesla co-founder Elon Musk, who attended the Half Moon Bay party in June arranged by Jurvetson's firm DFJ, told Wired... Continue reading at Silicon Valley Business Journal

[ Silicon Valley Business Journal | 2018-01-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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BuzzFeed Responds Perfectly to Facebook's Changes

BuzzFeed is taking matters into its own hands on Facebook, after the social network announced moves that could restrict publishers' ability to reach people there.The digital publisher, which has often relied on Facebook for its audience, was buying ads on Friday to bring readers into its own... Continue reading at Advertising Age

[ Advertising Age | 2018-01-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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CES 2018: Luka owl robot reads bedtime stories to kids

A robot that can read any of 50,000 picture books to young children will soon launch. Continue reading at BBC World

[ BBC World | 2018-01-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Bloomsbury signs journalists who broke Weinstein story

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[ The Bookseller | 2018-01-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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WI13: Authors and Books to Watch

A selection of notable adult and children’s authors to meet at the institute, whose books are due out between now and the end of 2018. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-01-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Facebook shares tumble after changes to its News Feed that could shrink ad revenue

Facebook shares were down more than 4% early Friday to $180.10 after the social network announced it was making major changes to its signature News Feed. Facebook said it would begin prioritizing posts from users’ friends and families that spark the most interaction over posts from brands and... Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2018-01-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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‘We’re losing hope’: Facebook tells publishers big change is coming to News Feed

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[ Digiday | 2018-01-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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12 Essential Spanish-Language Female Authors

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[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-01-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Feminism and Feel-Good Stories: A Children's Holiday 2017 Sales Report

Reports from around the country indicate a healthy season for children’s booksellers in particular, consistently citing sales hikes of 10% or more over the previous year. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-01-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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PRH distribution m.d. Mark Williams to retire

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[ The Bookseller | 2018-01-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Canadian author's own Fire and Fury book surges in sales

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[ Stuff | 2018-01-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Author and illustrator donate £1k to library near Grenfell Tower

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[ The Bookseller | 2018-01-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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