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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New York Times best-selling graphic novelist and games writer Antony Johnston has signed a deal with Eye Books to publish The Exphoria Code. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-23 00:00:00 UTC ]
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‘Perfect Holiday Read’ Author Victoria Hislop Given Four Specsavers Citations

Three gold certifications and one platinum go to big-selling UK novelist Victoria Hislop by the Specsavers optical companyand Nielsen Book. The post ‘Perfect Holiday Read’ Author Victoria Hislop Given Four Specsavers Citations appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-09-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
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NBF Names Annie Proulx Winner of Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters

The author of such works of fiction as 'The Shipping News' and 'Barkskins' is the 30th recipient of the medal, which has writers including Robert A. Caro, Judy Blume, and Toni Morrison. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-09-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Vintage crime authors celebrated with 'killer cocktails'

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Millennium author Lagercrantz 'will just write one more'

David Lagercrantz will not be continuing Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series beyond 2019, the Swedish author and journalist has told The Bookseller. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-19 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Free Food for Millionaires author Min Jin Lee releases second book in 22 years

"It's funny, as people ask me that all the time, and I just wish I was more interesting." Min Jin Lee is talking about the similarities between herself and the main character in her 2007 debut novel, Free Food for Millionaires. Published again this month after the success earlier this year of... Continue reading at Stuff

[ Stuff | 2017-09-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Three of Granta's Young Novelists up for BBC Short Story Award

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Pineapple story scoops Bath Spa Uni's 25-word novel competition

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Author J.P. Donleavy, who met scorn and then celebration with 'The Ginger Man,' dies at 91

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[ Los Angeles Times | 2017-09-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Game-changing' book on sexual assault to Myriad

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The 2017 Man Booker Prize Fiction Shortlist Includes UK, UK-Pakistani, and US Authors

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[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-09-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Lese-majesty? Far less so for William and Kate in the French courts

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[ The Guardian | 2017-09-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Transworld signs 70-year-old debut author as 'summer lead' title

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-08 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Authors protest 'axing' of Haringey children's librarians

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-09-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Station Eleven author pens 'brilliant follow up'

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Pan Books at 70: Celebrating Authors, Their Sales and International Rights Success

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[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-09-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Motherhood story wins Borough Press open submission competition

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Authors question the novel's future in face of declining attention spans

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-09-05 00:00:00 UTC ]
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At This Year’s Frankfurt Rights Meeting: ‘Change Is the New Constant’

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[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-08-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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