Author: Mary Akers
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Bread Loaf, day 2 (for me)
Friday, August 14, 2009 The morning lecture was with Thomas Mallon, titled, “Epistler in Chief: Six Presidents in Their Letters.” He is such an engaging speaker, charming and funny and composed. I always love hearing him speak. And his topic was fascinating—presidential letters and diaries. Something that we (sadly) won’t have anymore because the concerns…
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In An Uncharted Country
My good friend Cliff Garstang’s debut short story collection is now available for pre-order at Press 53 It’s a wonderful book set in the fictional town of Rugglesville, VA and I highly recommend it!
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Bread Loaf!
Bread Loaf, August 13, 2009 Should I make a disclaimer here? That I adore Bread Loaf and maybe I’m not the most unbiased reporter of happenings from the Mountain? Nah. If you didn’t know that about me already, you’ll figure it out soon enough. 🙂 This is my first time returning to Bread Loaf in…
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Reading in Floyd
Well, my reading at Floyd was fantastic. The library helped to publicize the event, provided refreshments, and had already set up the room when we got there a half-hour early. Very organized, they were. We had about 30 people attend (my mom did a lot of advance promotion, god bless her), which wasn’t bad considering…
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Almost heaven, Floyd, Virginia
I leave tomorrow, to head to my favorite spot on the planet. I’ll be at Floyd Fest on Friday, reading at the Floyd Library on Saturday (please come by at 2PM if you’re in the area!), catching up with old friends, and soaking up enough Floyd vibes to last until my next visit, which can’t…
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Blast from the Past, courtesy of the world wide web
I was just following a link to a post about writing and clicked on a blog with this picture: And I knew it, instantly and instinctively. It’s a closeup shot of the inside of the Bookbindery in Colonial Williamsburg. I am absolutely certain of it in the most visceral of ways. (I worked there as…
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The Short Review
I’m honored and thrilled to have my short story collection Women Up On Blocks reviewed at an excellent website devoted exclusively to the literary short form. The Short Review
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Everything Matters!
Ron Currie Jr.’s new novel is about to be released and–lucky you–you can download and read the first chapter over at his website for free.
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The Launch!!
No, not the space shuttle–Women Up On Blocks! It may be three months post-publication, but this was the official party to celebrate the launch of my short story collection. Signing books. There are bright red shoes you can’t see, and matching bright red shoe earrings. The launch started at 6PM. The signature drink–The Red Stiletto–had…
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Search for Downed Plane Highlights Ocean Trash Problem
The tragic disappearance of Air France’s Flight 447 has highlighted another, ongoing tragedy: the terrible pollution in the world’s oceans. It’s awful that it took a disaster of this magnitude to bring this important issue to the world stage, but if something good can come out of such a terrible loss, I’m hoping this is…