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 Authors Guild of America has launched a Fair Contract Initiative to “address the major inequities in many boilerplate contract terms today” and educate authors on what terms they can negotiate on. The initiative, announced on Friday (28th May) at BEA, aims to “restore balance to the... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-06-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Three bestselling authors discussed how book clubs have helped propel their careers. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-06-01 00:00:00 UTC ]
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As anyone knows who’s read anything by the five authors on today’s diversity panel, none has ever shied away from controversy. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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At 1 p.m. today in Room 1A10, “Mixed Me: A Discussion with Taye Diggs and Shane Evans” will address more than just a new picture book. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-30 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Citing 48 new regular member companies in the last year, the American Booksellers Association (ABA) leadership is declaring an end to a six-year crisis in US independent bookshops. At its annual meeting at BookExpo America in New York City on Thursday (28th May), c.e.o Oren J Teicher told the... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-30 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The theme of the International Digital Publishing Forum conference on day one at Book Expo in New York was “Putting Readers First,” but whether power has shifted from publishers and retailers to readers - asserted in a keynote by Canelo Publishing’s Michael Bhaskar - was quickly challenged by... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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While all of the four speakers at Friday's Children's Book and Author Breakfast emphasized the importance of storytelling to their lives, James Patterson went even further, insisting that books save lives. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Fitzcarraldo Editions has bought the debut short story collection from the winner of the inaugural White Review Short Story Prize, Claire-Louise Bennett. UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Ireland, were bought from Stinging Fly Press via Peter Straus at RCW. The collection, titled Pond,... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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BEA show director Steve Rosato responded to questions about this year’s midweek BEA conference, and noted, “Obviously this year was a lot different. We learned that the consumer piece doesn’t mix with the trade piece. Change is good.” Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-28 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Writing can be a lonely endeavor, and self-publishing—without the support of a major house—can be even lonelier. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-28 00:00:00 UTC ]
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What started as a photography blog by former bond trader Brandon Stanton grew into the bestselling Humans of New York (St. Martin’s Press) in 2013. Now, with more than 12 million followers on Facebook. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-28 00:00:00 UTC ]
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At this year's BookExpo America, the Authors Guild is rolling out its Fair Contract Initiative, a series of commentaries it will publish in the coming months that take a "fresh look at the standard book publishing contract." Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-28 00:00:00 UTC ]
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BookExpo America shifts to midweek this year, running Wednesday through Friday rather than Thursday through Saturday as in years past. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-27 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Booksellers have welcomed the news that Amazon is to start booking sales made to customers in the UK through its UK branch instead of through Luxembourg, though some say they remain "cautious" about the development. The online retailer brought its new arrangements, which means it will be taxed... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-27 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Publisher Tor says ‘we’d be nuts to decline’ 13-book contract, which will include three young adult novels alongside next instalments of Old Man’s War seriesAmerican science fiction author John Scalzi has signed a 10-year, 13-book deal with publishers Tor, which will net him $3.4m (£2.2m).Scalzi... Continue reading at The Guardian
[ The Guardian | 2015-05-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Kara Richardson Whitely, author of 'Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds' (Seal Press, 9781580055598), will appear on 'Good Morning America' on Wednesday, May 27. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Sarai Walker, author of 'Dietland' (HMH, 9780544373433), will appear on NPR's 'Weekend Edition' on Saturday, May 23. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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German self-published author Annie Stone advises writers to focus on fan engagement and being a nice, approachable person, than straight forward marketing. The post Author Annie Stone on Marketing: Just Be a Nice Person appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2015-05-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs—the only authorized biography of the Apple founder—went on sale in China at 10:05 a.m. Beijing Time on Oct. 24, 2011. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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