I'm thrilled to be back...and thank you, Aggie, for the invitation. During my last blog-invite, I invited many authors to join me and discuss their books, and I'm hoping a few will come into our 'den' over these five days.
I'm hoping that Joyce Maynard will also join us for a few minutes this week. She's touring with LABOR DAY, which I gather was optioned for a film before it hit the bookstores, and she's booked day and night. http://www.keplers.com/book/9780061843402. I've been reading about her writing class taught at her place at Lake Atitlan, in Guatemala. Joyce graciously read with me recently in Marin. Her essay appears in my new anthology.
Yes, a new anthology! On 9/30, I was joined at Kepler's by five of the contributing authors and we had a wonderful time reading from, and signing copies of, THE FACE IN THE MIRROR: Writers Reflect on Their Dreams of Youth and the Reality of Age. (We signed a few extras, which are undoubtedly on the shelf awaiting loving buyers...and did I warn you that I've lost all pretense of subtlety?) You can imagine my excitement when MORE magazine's website named this book one of the 21 'must-read' books for fall/winter. http://www.keplers.com/book/9781591027522
Eileen Goudge is also in the anthology and joined me in New York a few weeks ago to read from her very funny and moving essay. Eileen is the New York Times bestselling author whose novels include THE DIARY, DOMESTIC AFFAIRS, WOMAN IN RED, ONE LAST DANCE, GARDEN OF LIES, and THORNS OF TRUTH. There are more than five million copies of her books in print worldwide. She will try to post, although she's also on the road. Her new novel, ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, is getting terrific reviews. http://www.keplers.com/book/9781593155346
This week we'll also be visited by Arabella Grayson (is that a name for a novel...or what?!), a writer who has lovingly put together perhaps the world's finest collection of African-American paper dolls...going back hundreds of years. Arabella had an exhibition at the Smithsonian and is completing a book. You'll be taken at once by the beauty and significance of each piece.
I'll extend an invitation to Malachy McCourt and perhaps he'll be able to check in and say hello. He's in the new anthology and mesmerized the audience at our reading in NY. Julia Glass is on book tour with the paperback launch of I SEE YOU EVERYWHERE (Anchor) and I'm hoping she'll drop in on Wednesday. We'll also discuss Jane Smiley's YA novel and a number of new books about to be released.
Thanks for reading the blog and please, let me hear from you. It's so much more interesting (and fun) if we have a give-and-take of ideas. I'll be checking in several times a day and will respond to all questions and comments.
Showing posts with label anthologies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anthologies. Show all posts
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Victoria Zackheim: Day Three
I’d like to continue this exploration of the anthology, a literary form sometimes overlooked by readers, and occasionally even dismissed. I implore you to take a few from the shelf, open them, and look at the Table of Contents and the introductions. You might be―I’m guessing you will be―surprised by the exciting variety of writers who contribute and the subjects they’re willing to tackle.
When I ask writers to reveal something about themselves—whether it be infidelity, contentment (or discontentment) with life, or overcoming the emotional trauma of injury and illness—I find that, while there’s that common thread—that is, men and women writing about their lives—the diversity of style and approach is startling: sardonic and biting, outright funny, heartbreaking and poignant. Like life. Whether I’m coaxing memories from a 75-year-old grandmother in Israel or a Pulitzer author about to reveal something about her cheating husband, I’m still asking them to probe into flesh-and-blood issues.
During my travels, and in the course of speaking to groups, I’ve been privileged to meet many people. I’m always moved when those of my age and older share with sadness how their parents and grandparents took to their graves the truths about who they were, who their families were. I see these as lost opportunities for us to truly understand who we are today. How many times do children ask about our history, only to be told "Why do you want to know? Life is good now, why look back?" We look back because we realize that we are a composite of everyone who came before us, every bit of tissue and blood and bone, every hope and dream and fear. I truly believe that every horror our ancestors suffered, every joy they experienced, in some way now lives in us as well. In an anthology of personal essays, authors want their readers―and yes, in many cases, their families―to know who they are. For many of the authors in my anthologies, their genre is more often literary fiction, so writing about their lives adds something special to their work….something challenging and perhaps a bit threatening. This might explain why, at nearly every bookstore reading on the east and west coasts, more than a dozen of the anthology’s authors usually show up to read from their work. That’s the power of an anthology…creating a community of writers willing to bare their souls to a community of readers. The other element of this is that writing is a lonely life and the opportunity to leave our computers and meet with other writers is great fun.
For today’s recommendations, I heartily suggest:
The Diary, by Eileen Goudge, NYT Bestselling author with more than 3 million books in print. A gifted author who writes can’t-put-them-down novels. You can click on the title and preorder from Kepler’s. It’s available April 7. Here’s part of the bookstore’s description:
When the two grown daughters of Elizabeth Marshall discover an old diary of their mother's in her attic, it comes as a shock to learn that the true love of Elizabeth's life was not their father. This is the mystery the two daughters must unravel as they stay up late reading the words penned by Elizabeth so long ago. Their mother can't give them the answers: After a massive stroke, she lies mute and near death in a nursing home. Only the pages of her diary can provide clues to what really happened.
Mistress of the Sun, by Sandra Gulland. (Paperback) Gulland always comes through with rich writing, well-developed characters, and plots that keep you reading. (Note: When you click on the title, it takes you to preorder. It says hardback, but it’s paperback.) An excellent novel for adults and young adults.
According to Kepler’s:
The author of the internationally acclaimed Josephine Bonaparte trilogy returns with another irresistible historical novel, this one based on the life of Louise de la Valliere, who, against all odds, became one of the most mysterious consorts of France's Louis XIV. (The trilogy includes: The Many Lives And Secret Sorrows Of Josephine B., Tales Of Passion Tales Of Woe, and The Last Great Dance On Earth. )
Some of my favorites
When I teach a writing course or meet with book groups, I’m always asked about the books I read. The problem with naming them is that there are so many left unnamed. I’m certain that the moment I post this, I’ll regret a book left off the list, or an author whose work I admire. Having said this:
Books that changed my life:
Giants in the Earth, Ole E. Rolvaag: I read this at age 14, and it was the novel that shot through me like electricity and made me understand the power of words.
Angle of Repose, Wallace Stegner: His words sing to me. In a way, this novel dared me to write.
Books I’ll read again…
Old Filth, Jane Gardam: A novel that rivals perfection, gorgeous writing.
Horse Heaven, Jane Smiley: Unique and memorable voices, I wanted it to go on for another 500 pages.
Books That Speak To The Heart
Girls in Trouble, Caroline Leavitt: Beautifully written, heartbreakingly honest, touching on the subject of open adoption.
Book of Dead Birds, Gayle Brandeis: A moving and very important book about mother/daughter relationships and the difficult adjustments of immigrants to America, and their children to their immigrant parents.
A Stone Bridge North, Kate Maloy: Memoirs don’t get much better than this.
Young Adult
Thou Shalt Not Dump the Skater Dude: And Other Commandments I Have Broken, Rosemarie Graham. Any book by Graham is recommended.
The Musician’s Daughter, Susanne Dunlap. From the author and musicologist who gave us the lovely novels Emilie’s Voice and Liszt’s Kiss.
Non-fiction
Got a Revolution! The Turbulent Flight Of Jefferson Airplane, Jeff Tamarkin: Excellent writing, fascinating story, even if you’re not a fan!
In Closing
Please click on Comments and tell me your favorite books, fiction and non-fiction. I’m always looking, and other visitors to this blog will appreciate the suggestions.
Oh, and those two questions:
Victoria, is there some kind of competition and you’re running for Anthology Queen?
I swear, this was never my intention. But after The Other Woman, ideas started popping into my head!
Did you really throw up on Ann Curry, on the Today Show? No, but I dreamed of doing this, and those nightly dreams sometimes included an Exorcist-like spinning of the head! She was lovely, very kind and encouraging.
Until tomorrow!
When I ask writers to reveal something about themselves—whether it be infidelity, contentment (or discontentment) with life, or overcoming the emotional trauma of injury and illness—I find that, while there’s that common thread—that is, men and women writing about their lives—the diversity of style and approach is startling: sardonic and biting, outright funny, heartbreaking and poignant. Like life. Whether I’m coaxing memories from a 75-year-old grandmother in Israel or a Pulitzer author about to reveal something about her cheating husband, I’m still asking them to probe into flesh-and-blood issues.
During my travels, and in the course of speaking to groups, I’ve been privileged to meet many people. I’m always moved when those of my age and older share with sadness how their parents and grandparents took to their graves the truths about who they were, who their families were. I see these as lost opportunities for us to truly understand who we are today. How many times do children ask about our history, only to be told "Why do you want to know? Life is good now, why look back?" We look back because we realize that we are a composite of everyone who came before us, every bit of tissue and blood and bone, every hope and dream and fear. I truly believe that every horror our ancestors suffered, every joy they experienced, in some way now lives in us as well. In an anthology of personal essays, authors want their readers―and yes, in many cases, their families―to know who they are. For many of the authors in my anthologies, their genre is more often literary fiction, so writing about their lives adds something special to their work….something challenging and perhaps a bit threatening. This might explain why, at nearly every bookstore reading on the east and west coasts, more than a dozen of the anthology’s authors usually show up to read from their work. That’s the power of an anthology…creating a community of writers willing to bare their souls to a community of readers. The other element of this is that writing is a lonely life and the opportunity to leave our computers and meet with other writers is great fun.
For today’s recommendations, I heartily suggest:
The Diary, by Eileen Goudge, NYT Bestselling author with more than 3 million books in print. A gifted author who writes can’t-put-them-down novels. You can click on the title and preorder from Kepler’s. It’s available April 7. Here’s part of the bookstore’s description:
When the two grown daughters of Elizabeth Marshall discover an old diary of their mother's in her attic, it comes as a shock to learn that the true love of Elizabeth's life was not their father. This is the mystery the two daughters must unravel as they stay up late reading the words penned by Elizabeth so long ago. Their mother can't give them the answers: After a massive stroke, she lies mute and near death in a nursing home. Only the pages of her diary can provide clues to what really happened.
Mistress of the Sun, by Sandra Gulland. (Paperback) Gulland always comes through with rich writing, well-developed characters, and plots that keep you reading. (Note: When you click on the title, it takes you to preorder. It says hardback, but it’s paperback.) An excellent novel for adults and young adults.
According to Kepler’s:
The author of the internationally acclaimed Josephine Bonaparte trilogy returns with another irresistible historical novel, this one based on the life of Louise de la Valliere, who, against all odds, became one of the most mysterious consorts of France's Louis XIV. (The trilogy includes: The Many Lives And Secret Sorrows Of Josephine B., Tales Of Passion Tales Of Woe, and The Last Great Dance On Earth. )
Some of my favorites
When I teach a writing course or meet with book groups, I’m always asked about the books I read. The problem with naming them is that there are so many left unnamed. I’m certain that the moment I post this, I’ll regret a book left off the list, or an author whose work I admire. Having said this:
Books that changed my life:
Giants in the Earth, Ole E. Rolvaag: I read this at age 14, and it was the novel that shot through me like electricity and made me understand the power of words.
Angle of Repose, Wallace Stegner: His words sing to me. In a way, this novel dared me to write.
Books I’ll read again…
Old Filth, Jane Gardam: A novel that rivals perfection, gorgeous writing.
Horse Heaven, Jane Smiley: Unique and memorable voices, I wanted it to go on for another 500 pages.
Books That Speak To The Heart
Girls in Trouble, Caroline Leavitt: Beautifully written, heartbreakingly honest, touching on the subject of open adoption.
Book of Dead Birds, Gayle Brandeis: A moving and very important book about mother/daughter relationships and the difficult adjustments of immigrants to America, and their children to their immigrant parents.
A Stone Bridge North, Kate Maloy: Memoirs don’t get much better than this.
Young Adult
Thou Shalt Not Dump the Skater Dude: And Other Commandments I Have Broken, Rosemarie Graham. Any book by Graham is recommended.
The Musician’s Daughter, Susanne Dunlap. From the author and musicologist who gave us the lovely novels Emilie’s Voice and Liszt’s Kiss.
Non-fiction
Got a Revolution! The Turbulent Flight Of Jefferson Airplane, Jeff Tamarkin: Excellent writing, fascinating story, even if you’re not a fan!
In Closing
Please click on Comments and tell me your favorite books, fiction and non-fiction. I’m always looking, and other visitors to this blog will appreciate the suggestions.
Oh, and those two questions:
Victoria, is there some kind of competition and you’re running for Anthology Queen?
I swear, this was never my intention. But after The Other Woman, ideas started popping into my head!
Did you really throw up on Ann Curry, on the Today Show? No, but I dreamed of doing this, and those nightly dreams sometimes included an Exorcist-like spinning of the head! She was lovely, very kind and encouraging.
Until tomorrow!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Victoria Zackheim: Day Two
In the past fifteen months, I’ve had the pleasure of developing and selling three anthologies covering three very different subjects. The first was infidelity; the second, body image; and the third (coming out in September), the dreams we had in our youth and the reality of our lives today.
Whenever I speak at a writer’s conference, or teach a course in Personal Essay, I’m asked many questions about the process of creating and developing an anthology. It seems that these are the questions that always pop up:
What makes a good anthology topic?
Look around you. Look at photos in your home. They give you clues to all sorts of relationships: father/son, mother/daughter, father/daughter, mother/son, grandparents, step-parents, family holidays, family abuse. Look out your window: issues around the environment, streets (traffic), travel. Exotic places visited and hated; best vacations ever; nightmares away from home. Look at your hands: jewelry, gifts…nightmare experiences shopping; things lost and found (love, health, joy, grief). Look at your history: school, family, friendships good and bad; great children and nightmare events…a child’s illness, getting arrested, the death of a loved one.
How do you find the authors?
In a way, they find me, because I always invite authors whose books I love to read. The process of inviting told me much about myself. Was I up to contacting Pulitzer authors, writers who regularly made the NY Times bestseller list, little-known authors whose work I admired? Yes, and yes again. I also have to say that I’ve been turned down by some of the finest writers in the world!
How many authors do you contact?
There are two primary approaches an editor can take, in terms of inviting authors to contribute an essay.
(1) Put out a universal call for essays, cull through them, and choose the best 20 or so. This is very time-consuming―had I done this with the first two books, there could have been 500 essays for each!―and I would have had to send out lots of “thanks, but no thanks” messages…which doesn’t sit right with me. So…on to option #2, which is (2) Contact specific authors with a personal invitation to write an essay. Not on spec…that is, if they’re invited and they accept, they’re in.
What if an author sends an essay that doesn’t work?
The role of the editor is to work with the author until it does work. I’m sure that many anthology editors have horror stories, but I have none. For the most part, the essays from the three anthologies (that’s 68 essays) arrived with almost no changes required. And when there was a need to edit, or even rewrite, it was a collaborative effort between editor and author, with both of us headed toward the same goal: the perfect essay.
Recommended Books
One nice perk of hosting a blog is my right to practice unabashed nepotism. My sister, Michele Zackheim, is a gifted writer whose last novel, Broken Colors (Europa), was a BookSense pick. I highly recommend it. From Kepler’s website:
Sophie Marks' path to artistic and personal fulfillment takes her from World War II England to postwar Paris and the Italian countryside. She leaves Europe and spends the next two decades in the American Southwest. Acclaimed at last as an artist, she returns to England to confront the hidden memories of her childhood and test the possibilities of a renewed love, a passion ripened by maturity.
UC Berkeley History professor Paula Fass has a new book, a memoir exploring the relationship between history and memory. Inheriting the Holocaust (Rutgers University Press) is the moving account of the author’s journey into the stories recounted by her parents, both Holocaust survivors. I’ve just started reading and Fass’s balance of personal and historical is very compelling.
That's it for Day 2. I hope you'll come back tomorrow, when I’ll talk more about anthologies, with emphasis on the personal essay. It’s a format I avoided for decades, but now that I’m writing essays for these anthologies, I’m fascinated by the process.
Day Three will also answer the burning questions:
Victoria, is there some kind of competition and you’re running for Anthology Queen?
And did you really throw up on Ann Curry, on the Today Show?
Whenever I speak at a writer’s conference, or teach a course in Personal Essay, I’m asked many questions about the process of creating and developing an anthology. It seems that these are the questions that always pop up:
What makes a good anthology topic?
Look around you. Look at photos in your home. They give you clues to all sorts of relationships: father/son, mother/daughter, father/daughter, mother/son, grandparents, step-parents, family holidays, family abuse. Look out your window: issues around the environment, streets (traffic), travel. Exotic places visited and hated; best vacations ever; nightmares away from home. Look at your hands: jewelry, gifts…nightmare experiences shopping; things lost and found (love, health, joy, grief). Look at your history: school, family, friendships good and bad; great children and nightmare events…a child’s illness, getting arrested, the death of a loved one.
How do you find the authors?
In a way, they find me, because I always invite authors whose books I love to read. The process of inviting told me much about myself. Was I up to contacting Pulitzer authors, writers who regularly made the NY Times bestseller list, little-known authors whose work I admired? Yes, and yes again. I also have to say that I’ve been turned down by some of the finest writers in the world!
How many authors do you contact?
There are two primary approaches an editor can take, in terms of inviting authors to contribute an essay.
(1) Put out a universal call for essays, cull through them, and choose the best 20 or so. This is very time-consuming―had I done this with the first two books, there could have been 500 essays for each!―and I would have had to send out lots of “thanks, but no thanks” messages…which doesn’t sit right with me. So…on to option #2, which is (2) Contact specific authors with a personal invitation to write an essay. Not on spec…that is, if they’re invited and they accept, they’re in.
What if an author sends an essay that doesn’t work?
The role of the editor is to work with the author until it does work. I’m sure that many anthology editors have horror stories, but I have none. For the most part, the essays from the three anthologies (that’s 68 essays) arrived with almost no changes required. And when there was a need to edit, or even rewrite, it was a collaborative effort between editor and author, with both of us headed toward the same goal: the perfect essay.
Recommended Books
One nice perk of hosting a blog is my right to practice unabashed nepotism. My sister, Michele Zackheim, is a gifted writer whose last novel, Broken Colors (Europa), was a BookSense pick. I highly recommend it. From Kepler’s website:
Sophie Marks' path to artistic and personal fulfillment takes her from World War II England to postwar Paris and the Italian countryside. She leaves Europe and spends the next two decades in the American Southwest. Acclaimed at last as an artist, she returns to England to confront the hidden memories of her childhood and test the possibilities of a renewed love, a passion ripened by maturity.
UC Berkeley History professor Paula Fass has a new book, a memoir exploring the relationship between history and memory. Inheriting the Holocaust (Rutgers University Press) is the moving account of the author’s journey into the stories recounted by her parents, both Holocaust survivors. I’ve just started reading and Fass’s balance of personal and historical is very compelling.
That's it for Day 2. I hope you'll come back tomorrow, when I’ll talk more about anthologies, with emphasis on the personal essay. It’s a format I avoided for decades, but now that I’m writing essays for these anthologies, I’m fascinated by the process.
Day Three will also answer the burning questions:
Victoria, is there some kind of competition and you’re running for Anthology Queen?
And did you really throw up on Ann Curry, on the Today Show?
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