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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The Full Text of 'Bad Feminist' Author Roxane Gay’s WI12 Speech

For many at Winter Institute, Roxane Gay’s opening keynote, which called on booksellers to step up their role in providing sanctuary, set the tone for one of the most political and energizing bookseller gatherings in recent memory. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-01-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Guadalajara’s Rights Exchange Fellows: ‘Broad Insight’ Into Latin American Publishing

Fellows who attended Guadalajara International Book Fair offer feedback on insights into the Latin American book market and its opportunities. The post Guadalajara’s Rights Exchange Fellows: ‘Broad Insight’ Into Latin American Publishing appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-01-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Morpurgo and Doyle amongst LBF author line-up

Children’s writer Michael Morpurgo will join Roddy Doyle and Polish author Olga Tokarczuk on London Book Fair’s ‘author of the day’ line-up this year. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Industry Notes: London Book Fair’s Authors of the Day; Scribd’s New Magazines

Two Polish authors—one named for his cross-media work—are among London Book Fair's lineup of Authors of the Day in March. The post Industry Notes: London Book Fair’s Authors of the Day; Scribd’s New Magazines appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-01-30 00:00:00 UTC ]
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‘Real change needs to happen:’ Publishers shrug at platform overtures

Facebook and Google have stepped up their efforts to make nice with media companies, with new hires, journalism initiatives and expanded ways to monetize content. But publishers remain skeptical, saying they need to see a substantial change in their ability to make money from all the content... Continue reading at Digiday

[ Digiday | 2017-01-30 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Authors fear accusations of cultural appropriation, forum hears

Cries of cultural appropriation could be dissuading authors from publishing books that reflect BAME audiences, the Westminster Media Forum has heard. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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S&S moves to reassure authors after Milo Yiannopoulos controversy

Simon & Schuster’s US chief executive Carolyn Reidy has moved to reassure authors that the publisher will not “support, condone” or publish “hate speech” following the Milo Yiannopoulos controversy. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-25 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Author Emma Tennant dies

Emma Tennant, the author of Pemberley (Sceptre) and Burnt Diaries (Canongate), has died following a long illness. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-24 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Unpublished Twain story gets US release

North American publisher Doubleday Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, will this year release a previously unfinished children’s book by Mark Twain. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-24 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Weekly E-Ranking: new year but no change at top of chart

The top three ebooks in the seven days to 7th January held firm from the list covering the previous week, with Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train steaming into its 16th week at the top; Lee Child’s Night School chalking up a fifth week in the runner-up position; and Jeffrey Archer’s This was a... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-24 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Author sued for making children's books from classic novels

A Swedish writer is being sued for infringing copyright after making children’s versions of novels such as Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Author Who Turns Classics Into Children’s Books Is Sued

The author Fredrik Colting, whose KinderGuide books are based on classic novels. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2017-01-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children’s author platform Authorfy to launch

A new online platform connecting children’s authors and schools will launch this April. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Costa reveals Ewing, Kidd and O’Callaghan as short story finalists

Costa has lifted the anonymity of its three finalists shortlisted for the 2016 Costa Short Story Award following the close of the public vote.  Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Industry Changes: Nielsen Book’s US Services Sold to NPD Group

Offering employment to existing US Nielsen Book employees, the Nielsen Book practice becomes NPD Book in the new acquisition. The post Industry Changes: Nielsen Book’s US Services Sold to NPD Group appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2017-01-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Ownership of Penguin Random House Poised to Change

Pearson plans to sell its 47 percent stake in the publisher, which is home to John Grisham, “The Girl on the Train” and the “Game of Thrones” books. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2017-01-19 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Cover Story: ‘Like One of the Family’

Six decades after its initial publication, a novel Roxane Gay says "remains painfully relevant" gets a re-release and a refreshed cover for a new generation. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-01-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Alt-writing: how the far right is changing US publishing

Rightwing writers, ranging from conservative to lunatic fringe across all genres, have long been a lucrative books market. Will the new era see it grow?He compares feminism to cancer, called transgender people “retarded” and once labelled a BuzzFeed reporter a “thick-as-pig-shit media Jew”. So... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2017-01-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Pronoun Sets New Self-Publishing Author Royalty Rate

Pronoun, a Macmillan self-publishing subsidiary acquired in 2016, has set new author royalty rates and is launching a program to offer its authors customizable author pages. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-01-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children's author Babette Cole dies

Children’s author and illustrator Babette Cole has died aged 67, her publisher at Mabecron Books, Ron Johns, has confirmed. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2017-01-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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