Naomi Shihab Nye: On Inspiration

"I can never imagine how someone would fall in love with poetry and stop reading poems. But I think that people often talk themselves out of a bit of responding, which is just as important as collecting."

30+ Series, 100+ Poets and counting…

Sat-Sun 12-5pm:

The

First Annual New York Poetry Festival

on Governors Island

The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats

The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats

Hesh Kestin

Release Date: January 3, 2010

ISBN: 978-0976717782

Price: $16.95

eBook Price: $7.99

"Hesh Kestin's book, The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats, is a wonderful read on a subject which has not been explored so thoroughly in some time, Jewish gangsters wreaking havoc a half century ago is a bas relief for the hero's poignant coming of age. Russel Newhouse is a witty, feisty and perceptive young man, grappling with his own identity through the strange polyglot world he inhabits. Kestin has written an unusual novel which reads like the wind." —Lucinda Franks, Pulitzer-Prize winning author of My Father's Secret War

Excerpt:

“[P]ulling a trigger, that’s a whole different dimension. that’s why I vote for Wystan Hugh Auden as head of the joint chiefs. Ginsberg, he’d make a great leader of the Corps. These are guys they don’t back down in the face of bad news. Although, let me tell you, Wystan is not the kind of guy who’ll let on what he thinks. Should be in the Mafia.”

“You can tell that from reading him? How do you know what he thinks other than what’s in his—” I stopped. “Wystan?”

“You want to meet him? Miserable son of a bitch, but like I say, he’d make a fine general…. A general and a poet are exactly the same in one thing. What they do they have to do with critical efficiency. Not a word or action wasted. And the action has to be more important than the man who creates it. You know Yeats?”

“You knew Yeats too?”

“Of course not. Yeats died fucking I don’t know forty years ago. I know Auden because he plays poker.”

Temporary People, a fable

Temporary People

Steven Gillis

Black Lawrence Press, 2008

ISBN-10: 0976899361

Hardcover: 203pp; $20.95

eBook Price: $7.99

“Balancing world-building, a thriller-worthy plot, and high-end political dialogue, Temporary People is the kind of book that forces the reader to fight between turning the pages faster to find out what happens and slowing down to consider its arguments and to savor its sentences.” —NewPages.com

Here's the book description:

"Revolution rocks and rolls. An ex-tv star seizes power and tries to turn daily life into an endless film. Temporary People is a political fable of the first order. Set on the island of Bamerita, a country whose “history is like the rim of a wheel made to turn round and round, our political cycles nothing if not redundant,” Gillis third novel, following Walter Falls and The Weight of Nothing, Temporary People explores the human condition in all its most vulnerable exposures. A brilliant send up of modern life turned inside out by the inescapable powers of history and fate, filled with pathos and humor, Gillis deftly explores the complexities of survival and choice in a world perpetually on the verge of going mad. Sharp and satirical, a breathtakingly paced romp, the end will leave you drop-jawed and wanting more. Temporary People is a book for the ages and once again Gillis delivers."

Weird Writing Habits of Famous Authors

It’s an old topic but it always manages to be interesting — what did the authors we love do in order to write what they did? Beyond the jobs they held, what habits did they have that made writing possible? We take a look at 10 modern authors who had unusual approaches to writing; some due to the limits they would impose on themselves, others due to what they would wear or how they would attempt to channel greatness. Regardless of their methods, they have all produced work of lasting value. We might learn a thing or two from them if we’re willing to get out of our comfort zone and see the craft as just that — a skill to be exercised, not a bolt of ideas that comes if you wait long enough. So read on, dear readers, and tell us in the comments section who we missed. Click here to read more...

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL ZOETROPE: ALL-STORY SHORT FICTION CONTEST

The 15th annual Zoetrope All-Story Short Fiction Contest opens for entries July 1, 2011. Jim Shepard will guest judge this year's contest. First prize is $1,000 and the potential for literary representation. Entry fee is $15/story. Deadline is October 3, 2011. Learn more here.

Helen Pike Events

2011-07-22 4:00 pm

Lost at Sea! Book Signing for Sand Blast Cocktail Party

"Where Music Lives"

4-7pm at Asbury Galleria in the Convention Hall Grande Arcade

2011-07-26 7:00 pm

Music Memoirs: A Writing Workshop with anthology editor of "Where Music Lives"

7-9pm at Crane House Museum Fee $15

Storycraft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction

Once I tumbled to the idea that common principles of storytelling apply regardless of medium, I noticed examples everywhere. (Continue reading here.)

A senior project by Cooper Union student Patrick Sullivan.

You can't buy the Harry Potter Criterion Collection.

Design*Sponge at Home, is out in September.

I have been waiting for this day longer than I can possibly describe. While trying to find the perfect words to sum up this entire experience and project, I ran through a wide range of emotions: excitement, nervousness, fear, relief, exhaustion and complete and utter joy. There are quite simply no perfect words to sum up the experience of writing Design*Sponge’s first book than to say this: After two years of hard work, Design*Sponge at Home is available for pre-order!

A Poem by Any Other Name: Poems Titled "Poem"

The poem titled, simply, "Poem," has a rich tradition in American literature.

From Frank O'Hara (who composed 56 original works under that same title) to contemporary poets including Charles Bernstein, Victor Hernández Cruz, Louise Glück, Matthew Rohrer, Susan Wheeler, and manymore—explore a selection of these poets' original "Poem"s.

Looking for a good book?

Every week, the editors at O and Oprah.com will be letting you know about new releases that they couldn't stop reading.

The story that won our hearts: A woman who suspects her partner is having a long-distance affair pins her hopes on a birthday gift that demonstrates that she knows him better than anybody. (And boy, does she succeed!)

The title we'll never forget: "The Only Way Out Is Through"

The character we'd like to run away with:The divorced gentleman who falls in love with a woman with laryngitis, and woos her by writing notes.

The quote that changed our lives: "Only then, as she stared at the rows of book covers, at the pictures of people laughing or embracing or crying, all caught in the heroic struggles of their lives, did a small thought occur to her with such simplicity she almost said it out loud: 'I am afraid to try.'"

LAUNCH PARTY & BOOKSIGNING

Andy Warhol's New York City by Thomas Kiedrowski

July 13, 6-8 pm

Clic Bookstore & Gallery
255 Centre Street, NYC
212-966-2766
info@clicgallery.com

TIPS FROM JODI PICOULT

Jodi Picoult hatched her debut novel during her first pregnancy. This was the starting point of a fertile authorship of 20 bestselling books with the 21st on the way. She recently shared her thoughts on her own writing process with Gotham:
Q: What is your method for overcoming writer’s block ?
A: I don't buy into writer's block. I think it is for people who have time on their hands. If you don't, you sit down and you write. Period.

Q: What are your favorite or most helpful writing prompts?
A: I used to like to write an argument from the first person point of view of each character, one at a time. I also loved: Write a narrative as an ice cream truck driver...who hates kids.

Q: What is the most valuable advice you received as a young writer?
A: My mentor, Mary Morris, taught me that I wasn't nearly as great a writer as I thought I was. If not for her, I wouldn't have challenged myself—and kept challenging myself—until I was where I am today.

> Order Picoult's newest novel: Sing You Home
> For more on Picoult's writing practices, visit JodiPicoult.com

Six-Word Work Challenge

SMITH Magazine is teaming up with Mercer, a consulting company exploring the work world, for "Six Words About Work." Every two weeks for the next two months, we're posting a new"Six-Word Work Challenge"—and giving away iPad2s or BlackBerry PlayBooks to the best six-word scribes. All entrants are eligible to be part of a special Six Words About Work book coming out later this year. Visit Six Words About Work.—and enter as often as you like.

Plus: Six-Word Questions is an entirely new kind of six-word experience: Ask members for a favorite six-word quote; pose a six-work joke challenge; request a six-word obituary for the recently departed. Each Monday, we're featuring a "Six-Word Question of the Week."

PoetsWednesday

582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, NJ

732-634-0413

Featured Poets: Amanda Berry & Rachel Bunting

at 8:00 PM

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Open Reading to Follow

*******

Workshop at 7:00 PM

Workshop Facilitator, Rachel Bunting

*************************************************

Free, Refreshments Supplied by Wegmans

Donations Are Greatly Appreciated

Thanks to Cynthia Knight, BAC Director, and staff

PoetsWednesday Site: http://wednesdaypoet.typepad.com/

Directions: http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/Departments/BarronArtsCenter/BarronArtsCenterDirections/tabid/754/Default.aspx

Contact: Deborah LaVeglia, Poetry Director, at Poetred@aol.com

Coming in August: Nancy Scott & Maxine Susman

The Consequence of Skating by Steven Gillis

Published: Black Lawrence Press, 09/01/2010

Pages: 302

Language: English

Review:

In The Consequence Of Skating we meet the main character Mickey Greene, a cocaine fueled up and coming actor. To begin, he has a meltdown on stage and ends up in rehab, jobless and on probation. Trying to pull his life together, he works as a night security guard at a local amusement park, Birch Bow Adventure, but he has one true desire. Mickey wants to direct a theatrical version of Harold Pinter’s Moonlight. Unfortunately, this he is distracted by his love for Darcie, an actress and seducer, but she only loves herself and doesn’t want anything to do with him. In enters, Sarah, a big-boned beautiful woman, with a gorgeous voice that captivates Mick. He eventually falls in love with her and then his life seems to take a turn for the better.

Written in the first person, this story is layered with dozens of characters that skate in and out of Mickey's life. He meets a twelve-year-old boy named Cam and he competes with his friend Ted, a computer programmer famous for scripting a personalized sex software, but who has now turned his sights on global politics.

Although this story is fiction, Gillis explores some very human themes of love, heartache and hope. Overall, this is a fine fourth novel by Gillis and a must read for even the most pragmatic reader.

Excerpt:

The ceiling of my booth is tin. The metal traps the cold, floor open to the dirt beneath. My shift runs from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. five nights a week. As an actor, there was talk of turning my time at the Bow into a documentary, or a reality show with scenes sketched out and other actors brought in. A contract was drawn up, but the court would not sign off, refused to let my punishment morph into a spectacle. I get it. That’s cool. There’s a definite protocol which needs to be followed, a lesson I’m supposed to learn. I appreciate this, want to prove that I’m repentant and accepting of all forms of retribution.

Mr. Baumbach’s new novel

Dreams of Molly

(Dzanc Books, 154 pages, $15.95)

Review:

Dreams of Molly is a sequel to Mr. Baumbach’s third novel, Reruns, which was originally published in 1974, but was reissued in 2005. This is truly a love story.

The story begins with a blocked writer, Jacob, who embarks on a series of adventures in order to rescue his ex-wife, Molly. He is not sure, but she may or may not have been kidnapped. Along the way, he keeps meeting people who remind him of her. Skeptical of who these people are, he finds himself caught between two worlds: fiction and reality. Then Jacob begins to unravel the idea that he may be a hired killer, but his memory begins to fail him and that's when the story really begins.

The book begins on the 35th night and ends on the 101st night. This format is similar to a diary, with chapters named by the night the dreams take place. I was personally drawn in from the opening lines: It was not the same. It was all the same. I was in Italy sitting at my desk in a luxuriant Villa writing the story of my invented life. I was in bed in Brooklyn dreaming I was in Italy at the Villa Mondare, which was a made-up place in any event, writing the first sentence of a fictional memoir. As readers, we are immediately pulled into the scattered mind of the protagonist and his dilemma.

Overall, each episode is a complicated philosophical adventure into the conflicted mind of the most unlikely hero. Dreams of Molly is an example Baumbach's avant-garde fiction at its finest.

Excerpt:

"You can turn around when I tell you to," she said. "Deal?"

I nodded my agreement, used the time standing with my back to her trying to remember what she looked like that fateful day fifteen years ago when she announced it was over between us. No image offered itself.

"What happens, Molly, if I turn around?" I asked, eager to see her even with the unattractive plastic bonnet over her hair.

I meant to keep my part of the bargain, but the extended silence intensified my curiosity. I sensed her shadow moving stealthily in the direction of the bed.

I turned my head warily, barely an inch, then turned back quickly, catching a glimpse of red dress as evanescent as a flash bulb explosion.

Perhaps I'd seen nothing, but my expectations, minimal in the best of seasons, glowed with promise.

—from Dreams of Molly by Jonathan Baumbach

Based on a True Story by Hesh Kestin

Review:

The three novellas that make up Based on a True Story are set in Africa, Polynesia and Hollywood on the eve of WWII. Kestin, a former foreign correspondent has written some of the best short fiction that this reviewer has seen involving contemporary life in a world at war. Some of his tales explore the themes of racial and gender identity. Of recent, his work has been compared to the likes of Steve Stern and Philip Roth respectively. His resume includes reporting on local wars, global business, and exotic mayhem in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for publications such as Forbes, Newsday, and The Jerusalem Post, and US magazines as diverse as Playboy and Inc. He has also been cited by Media Guide for best foreign correspondence, and his work has won many awards.

For this reader the time period of the 30's and 40's is what kept my interest. He tells each story from three very different perspectives: post-war occupation in the middle east, a Stalin-era Russian in the South Pacific, and a Hollywood studio in the segregated 30's that specializes in Negro cinema.

For starters, in the opening lines of "The Merchant of Mombasa" we are transported between a Hindu crematorium and an infectious disease hospital. What an odd setting, but one that pulled me in from the start. Needless to say, one of the most compelling lines in this collection of novellas is the closing line in "The Man Who Kissed Stalin's Wife". For At Peace I had seen no life amid my native snows, and for me none at all in paradise. However, I was even more entranced by all the name dropping in "Based on a True Story", the last novella in the collection. From Gone With the Wind to Dale Carnegie, I was transported to a much simpler time and place. If you are looking for a sampling of historical fiction and nostalgia, then this book is right up your alley.

Excerpt:

That night was an introduction for me to a passion I had never considered to exist. Like others of my age, I had been indoctrinated in a sexual, as well as a political, dogma. Moscow and Leningrad women, even in the highest circles in which I traveled, were hardly sensual creatures at all. Softness in a woman had become counter-revolutionary two decades before, and our poverty was dire. But the Atu-Hivans were poorer than we. Here beauty was not accident, but practice—as moderation might be, or political vigilance. Only once before had it occurred to me that a woman might have sexual feelings other than those attendant in the simple bartering of her soul. Now the romantico-socialist babblings we had practiced upon the objects of our desire became suddenly as inexplicable as some foolish and exhausted tradition. In reality, this was the case. In matters of love the ancien regime lived on, endlessly modified by the political truth of the day. In that Russia under Stalin, the Russia I had fled to arrive in a paradise of endless sensuality, only one woman had embodied for me the highest ideal of what a woman—as woman—might be, and I had met her only twice, both times at official functions. She was not the soft odalisque of Atu-Hiva, but she was real, and it disturbed me that it was she I thought of while I made love to and was made love to by At Peace. Her name was Nadezhda Alleluyeva, and she had had the bad fortune to have married the wrong man. She was Stalin’s wife.

—from "The Man Who Kissed Stalin's Wife"

Asunder by Robert Lopez

Review:

Like his previous works, Part of the World and

Kamby Bolongo Mean River, Asunder is a beautiful exercise of the relationship between language and reality. Lopez carefully considers each word before abandoning it on the page, and it shows especially in his most recent masterpiece. Each story is only a few pages long, but packed with memorable characters that leave a lasting taste in your mouth.

In "Vaya Con Huevos" we meet two despicables in conversation. Never hearing of people considering themselves despicable in a story made me want to read more to find out just who they were and what made them label themselves in this way. I just love the concluding lines: "I can't hear what it is they're whispering but I don't have to. I know because it is on their faces. It is all over everyone's faces." The prose is simple and powerful; it reminds the reader that sometimes more is conveyed physically than verbally.

Throughout the collection Lopez provides narratives surrounding characters that are usually loners or outsiders. The man with the geographic tongue is in this corner. In the "Geographic Tongue" Lopez takes us on a journey narrated by a mysterious man. He dabbles in the world of religion and nature presenting us with an odd character that is unappealing, but lovable at the same time.

Included in Asunder is Lopez’s "The Trees Underground" A Novella in Shorts. In this series, Lopez chronicles the life of an unpaid worker in a home for the blind. Lopez stays consistent in style to his short stories. The novella’s narrative is very concise, with each chapter making an effort to repeat exact phrases. For example: Blind Betty knows about the TV and refrigerator because I told her once. The blindsters always remember what it is you tell them. Must be because they’re blind and don’t have to remember what anything looks like. Although it is a little too repetitive for this readers taste, the prose allows for a better understanding of the story.

Overall, admirers of the short-short form will appreciate this collection. Lopez pays attention to the minutiae of prose and even his novella is as engaging as the first half of the collection.