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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CILIP fends off criticism over lack of BAME authors on Carnegie longlist

CILIP has responded to criticism about the diversity of its Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medal longlists - which feature no BAME authors - saying that while it "acknowledges and respects the concerns expressed", the longlisted books were "judged on merit and on an equal playing field". Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-02-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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George Saunders, "Quite Possibly" Colbert's Favorite Living Author, Comes to the Late Show

On the 'Late Show,' George Saunders gets ribbed about writing a novel, explains what a "bardo" is, and discusses kindness and Donald Trump in support of his debut novel, 'Lincoln in the Bardo.' Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-02-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Book series for children focuses on Treaty of Waitangi story

A set of books have been written to  teach children about the Treaty of Waitangi. Continue reading at Stuff

[ Stuff | 2017-02-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Top authors to celebrate 20 years of World Book Day

Book Aid International has teamed up with 20 stars of the children’s book world to celebrate the 20th anniversary of World Book Day (WBD). Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-02-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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First Authors Announced in France’s Frankfurt Book Fair Guest of Honor Program

At the Berlin Film Festival's Soirée française du cinéma, authors are announced for participation in France's Guest of Honor plans at Frankfurt Book Fair. The post First Authors Announced in France’s Frankfurt Book Fair Guest of Honor Program appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-02-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Lisa McInerney longlisted for Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award

Irish writer Lisa McInerney has been longlisted for the £30,000 2017 Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-02-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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American Publishers Return to Cuba

A contingent of 31 American publishers have traveled to Havana as part of the U.S. Publishing Mission to Cuba. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-02-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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BookExpo Names Children's Breakfast Authors

Savannah Guthrie, Jennifer Weiner, and Jason Reynolds are among the authors appearing at BookExpo's June 2 Children's Book & Author Breakfast. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-02-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Changes at 'PW'

Judith Rosen steps down as senior bookselling editor and New England correspondent, and Ed Nawotka returns as international editor; he'll also cover bookselling. Alex Green fills the New England shoes, and Emma Kantor is the new associate children’s book editor. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-02-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Trade Show Notes: London Book Fair Hosts Fair Use Debate; BookExpo Announces Author-Speakers

The London Book Fair announces a debate on fair use and copyright. And BookExpo announces Stephen King will speak at the Author Breakfast. The post Trade Show Notes: London Book Fair Hosts Fair Use Debate; BookExpo Announces Author-Speakers appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-02-08 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Romantic Novel Awards shortlist indie authors

​The RoNAs (Romantic Novel Awards) has announced its 2017 shortlists, recognising independently published authors for the first time.  Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-02-08 00:00:00 UTC ]
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As celebrity books boom, professional authors are driven out of full-time work

Novelist Donal Ryan is the latest name forced to seek an income outside books, while children’s writers complain that stars from other media monopolise advancesDespite scoring three bestsellers in five years and a clutch of awards, The Spinning Heart author Donal Ryan has been forced to return... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2017-02-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Picador acquires story of a dangerous liaison

Picador has acquired a debut novel, Fire Sermon, and story collection, I Want to Show You More, from US writer Jamie Quatro Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-02-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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BookExpo Names Adult Breakfast Authors

Stephen King and son Owen, plus Whitney Cummings, are among the authors appearing at BookExpo's June 1 Adult Book & Author Breakfast. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-02-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Upcoming Little, Brown Title Spreads the Seeds of Change

With his upcoming book 'Never Out of Season' (Little, Brown), biologist Rob Dunn is prepared to fight to squash global hunger. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-02-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Authors Guild Calls for 'Vigilance In These Not Normal Times'

In a statement on the group's website, the Authors Guild has called the current political climate a time "when writers have a particularly important role to play" in the preservation of democracy. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-02-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Freedom of Expression: Authors Guild Teams With LitNet in ‘Not Normal Times’

Asserting the value of 'the voices of refugees, writers, and translators from the Arab world,' the author-advocacy organization speaks out. The post Freedom of Expression: Authors Guild Teams With LitNet in ‘Not Normal Times’ appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-02-06 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Izzy Judd to tell her IVF story in Transworld book deal

Transworld is publishing Dare to Dream, a book by Izzy Judd, wife of McFly drummer Harry Judd, telling the personal story of the couple's difficult time trying for a baby and turning to IVF. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-02-04 00:00:00 UTC ]
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New Game of Thrones story coming this autumn

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[ The Bookseller | 2017-02-03 00:00:00 UTC ]
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WIRED Book Club: Loved Arrival? Check Out Ted Chiang’s ‘Story of Your Life’

Now that Ted Chiang is super hot, let's read some of his short fiction for the month of February. The post WIRED Book Club: Loved Arrival? Check Out Ted Chiang's 'Story of Your Life' appeared first on WIRED. Continue reading at Wired

[ Wired | 2017-02-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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