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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Winslow to Co-Author First Novel from Michael Mann Books

The first project in the pipeline for the just-announced Michael Mann Books is a new novel by Don Winslow. 'The Cartel' author will co-create a book, with Mann, about the American mobsters Tony Accardo and Sam Giancana. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2016-03-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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J.K. Rowling's latest wizardry prompts criticism from Native Americans

Harry Potter fans in Native American communities are disappointed with the depiction of their cultures and history in the British novelist's latest stories.  Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2016-03-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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College Stores Adapt to a Changing Landscape

Despite challenges ahead, including Amazon, optimism prevailed among college booksellers at the annual Camex trade show. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2016-03-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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New Saturday spot for Radio 4's 'Meet the Author'

Genre fiction, non-fiction and books which "are causing a stir, a story in the book world" will all be candidates for the new "Meet the Author" interview series, now conducted by veteran broadcaster James Naughtie who has replaced Nick Higham. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2016-03-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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J.K. Rowling will reveal more about the American world of magic on Pottermore

The upcoming movie 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' based in the world of 'Harry Potter,' is set in America. Upcoming stories published on the site Pottermore will reveal more about the magical culture in the US. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2016-03-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Which Famous Author Wrote This Children’s Book?

Believe it or not, James Joyce wrote literature for children—as did Virginia Woolf, Langston Hughes, and many other authors known mostly for their more adult-friendly classics. For this edition of our weekly quiz, we challenge you to identify the authors of 10 children’s book excerpts. They... Continue reading at Slate

[ Slate | 2016-03-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Lessons from Louise: the story of Paul Sheehan and the Sydney Morning Herald

Paul Sheehan’s story about the alleged gang rape of ‘Louise’ led, eventually, to him being suspended by Fairfax. But how has a writer so reckless survived for so long at a reputable media company? A special report by Richard Cooke for the Monthly and Guardian AustraliaThe office of the Sydney... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2016-03-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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SoA seeks new law to protect authors

The Society of Authors is lobbying the government to introduce a new law to protect authors' and creators' contracts. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2016-03-08 00:00:00 UTC ]
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J.K. Rowling will reveal more about the American magic world on Pottermore

The upcoming movie 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' based in the world of 'Harry Potter,' is set in America. Upcoming stories published on the site Pottermore will reveal more about the magical culture in the US. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2016-03-08 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #site pottermore #upcoming movie #fantastic beasts #harry potter #magical culture


J.K. Rowling reveals new story, the 'History of Magic in North America'

J .K. Rowling has some good news for fans of her "Harry Potter" universe, especially ones on this side of the Atlantic. The author's website, Pottermore, will publish a four-part story this week called "History of Magic in North America." The story will provide the background for "Fantastic... Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2016-03-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Wellington author finalist in revamped New Zealand Book Awards

A Wellington author's first book has earned him a place in the finals of the 2016 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, as the revamped book awards return after a year's hiatus.  Continue reading at Stuff

[ Stuff | 2016-03-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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10 Best Linked Story Collections

Books by Salinger, Bradbury, and more, chosen by Amy Parker, the author of 'Beasts and Children.' Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2016-03-04 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Catholic school cancels recently outed gay author's visit

A Catholic school in Australia has cancelled a speaking visit from an award-winning gay author of young adult books because his new book - which includes a gay character - has been deemed "not appropriate". Continue reading at Stuff

[ Stuff | 2016-03-03 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Terry Pratchett short story collection coming this summer

Penguin Random House Children’s will this summer publish a second collection of short stories from Terry Pratchett. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2016-03-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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DBW Preview: Dr. Jessica Sänger on Global Implications of Changing Copyright Law

Ahead of Digital Book World 2016, Dr. Jessica Sänger of the German Booksellers and Publishers Association gives some context to discussions about changing copyright laws. The post DBW Preview: Dr. Jessica Sänger on Global Implications of Changing Copyright Law appeared first on Publishing... Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2016-03-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The Untold Story of How Magazine Media is Winning

The consumer, not the print magazine, now resides at the hub of the business model. The post The Untold Story of How Magazine Media is Winning appeared first on Folio:. Continue reading at Folio Magazine

[ Folio Magazine | 2016-03-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Simon & Schuster’s Salaam Reads Focuses on Muslim Characters and Stories

Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing has announced the launch of Salaam Reads, focusing on Muslim characters and stories. The post Simon & Schuster’s Salaam Reads Focuses on Muslim Characters and Stories appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2016-02-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Author Solutions: behind the headlines

Self-publishing outfit author solutions was sold by Penguin Random House in January 2016, and it is now ready to expand, its c.e.o. Andrew Phillips says. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2016-02-27 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Native Ads at a Mecca for Millennials: Wattpad’s ‘Brand Stories’

Native advertising is paying off for writers of the coveted, mobile demographic at Wattpad. Ashleigh Gardner speaks at London Book Fair's (#LBF16) Quantum Conference (#Quantum16) in April. The post Native Ads at a Mecca for Millennials: Wattpad’s ‘Brand Stories’ appeared first on Publishing... Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2016-02-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Protecting Intellectual Property Remains the Top Job for Association of American Publishers

The publishing industry's trade association had a busy year protecting copyright in a changing market. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2016-02-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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