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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At This Year’s Frankfurt Rights Meeting: ‘Change Is the New Constant’

In its 31st year, Buchmesse's annual Rights Meeting on 'Book Fair Tuesday' focuses on Asian licensing, social media, and a burgening audio market. The post At This Year’s Frankfurt Rights Meeting: ‘Change Is the New Constant’ appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-08-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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UK Author-Illustrator Judith Kerr Named a Specsavers Platinum Bestseller

The German-born British children's writer Judith Kerr is now a member of the Platinum Bestseller club, awarded the honor by Specsavers and Nielsen Book. The post UK Author-Illustrator Judith Kerr Named a Specsavers Platinum Bestseller appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-08-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Voice Search Changes Media Buying, Attribution, Publishing

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[ Advertising Age | 2017-08-30 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Rachel Kranz, Author and Ghostwriter, Dies at 62

Rachel Kranz, author of the novel 'Leaps of Faith' (FSG) and a prolific ghostwriter and co-author, died on Monday. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-08-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Addictive' story of obsession to HQ

HarperCollins imprint HQ is to publish Indecent, an "addictive and thought-provoking" story from debut author Corinne Sullivan, in 2018. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-08-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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English science fiction great Brian Aldiss, author behind Spielberg film 'AI,' dies at 92

Aldiss helped shape and elevate the science fiction genre, but he recognized its mutability. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2017-08-25 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Nook Terminating Accounts of Erotica Authors

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[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-08-23 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Beijing Book Fair 2017: Changing with the Times and Market Demands

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[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-08-23 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Birkbeck University to champion new voices in short story anthology

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-08-23 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Author 'devastated' over Russian publisher's LGBT censorship

A Russian publisher's decision to cut a gay scene from American fantasy author VE Schwab’s fantasy trilogy, Shades of Magic, has been met with anger and "heartbreak". Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-08-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'BAME writers must tell their own stories – and we have to be disruptive'

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[ The Guardian | 2017-08-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Ad Age Wake-Up Call: Changes Ahead for Social Media Video Ads, and Other News to Know Today

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[ Advertising Age | 2017-08-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-08-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Amazon rejects advertisement for Kapiti author's book for being 'too provocative'

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Edith Eger | 'I have a joy that is within me that I cherish so much'

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-08-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Beyond Napa: PW Talks with ‘Around the World in Eighty Wines’ Author Mike Veseth

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[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-08-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-08-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Biteback pulls 'true story' of Diana's fatal crash

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-08-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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William Collins launches music list with Dylan study

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-08-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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