I know. I’m sorry I’ve left this blog untended. I had surgery Sept. 12th and I’m in recuperation mode. Recuperation mode is really nice at first until one starts to go seriously stir crazy. But I’m doing well and getting stronger every day and I really, really, don’t want anything to do with hospitals for a long time to come.
Ok, enough about that. I have good things to report. First, my review of Sara Lippmann’s fantastic short story collection, DOLL PALACE, is now up at The Lit Pub blog. Here’s an excerpt:
“These are stories filled with talk, conversations, recitations, memories, flirtations (often dangerous ones) and hard-won epiphanies I think what I love best about these stories though is their refusal to dot every i. There are no simple answers and lessons aren’t always learned. A deft writer, Lippmann displays control over her narratives even as she achieves a certain wildness and strangeness that both fascinates and feels entirely true. I love the fearlessness of these stories (see “Target Girl” and “Everyone Has Your Best Interests at Heart” and “Babydollz” and “Talisman”among others).”
One cool aspect of recommending books at The Lit Pub blog is that you’re asked to suggest other books readers might enjoy (that are similar in some way to the book you’re recommending), and I was happy to suggest Pia Ehrhardt’s Famous Fathers and Other Stories, Emma Straub’s Other People We Married, Amy Hempel’s Tumble Home, and Rachel Sherman’s The First Hurt. (I noticed later that Rachel Sherman actually wrote a blurb for Sara’s book, which is perfect.)
So. Just get this book. The stories are superb and Sara Lippmann is a terrific writer and human being. One of the kindest people I know in the lit world or any world. And oh, Dock Street Press is exceptional.
The other good news I have is that my short story, “The Wide and Lonely World” has been accepted! I was solicited to send something and did and hadn’t heard back for awhile so assumed they didn’t want the story (writers, you know the feeling), but yay, they liked it a lot and I’ll post a link and more info when the story’s up. I’m delighted. This is a story I messed with for so long, not quite knowing why it wasn’t working for me, until one day I gave myself the challenge of cutting it by 50%. Crazy! So I cut it from 5,000 words to 2,500, which required huge objectivity and mercilessness, but I did it, and the story is much better for the cutting I do believe.
And! I was surprised and thrilled that Blue Fifth Review nominated my story, “The Blue of Milk” for Best of the Net 2014. It’s a story I really liked but felt shy about sending out into the world. I’m very honored and cheered by Sam Rasnake and Michelle Elvy’s confidence in and support of the story. I posted it here awhile back.
Lastly, the website for the new MFA program that I’ll be teaching flash fiction for will be up and running soon and I’ll post a link to it here when it is. I’m VERY excited about this and proud to be a part of it. More to come!
Glad you are recouping so well and am looking forward to Sara Lippman’s book. I have heard many many good things about her both as a person and a writer, but haven’t actually met her. Will have to remedy that at AWP. Are you thinking about going this year??
You will love Doll Palace, Gay. I think it’s right up your alley And yes, she’s absolutely lovely. I’m going to be on a panel/reading with Bonnie ZoBell, Pam Houston, and others. I think it’s called Women Writers of the West. So yes! I’ll be there. Let’s meet up!
Terrific news!! Can’t wait.
So glad to hear you’re on the mend, Kathy. Yes. Being in hospitals is high on the list of “things that suck.” If you’re recommending this book, that’s good enough for me. And congrats on the story publication and nomination. So exciting!
I may share a bit of happy news with you, I have two pieces of flash featured in the latest issue of Boston Literary Magazine. My first such credit. Kinda stoked. 🙂
Jayne, YAY!! That’s so fantastic! Congratulations! I’m going to go check out Boston Literary Magazine when I get a chance and read your stories…is it online or print? I’m very excited for you!
And thanks for the good wishes & for stopping by. xo
Thanks so much! It’s in print. “Gone” and “Family Time” (pgs 32 & 33) Wish I could take your class.
Then I’m going to have to get a copy! And thanks, I wish you could take my class too. I’m still thinking of doing something maybe here on the blog, more workshop t han class. I’ll keep you posted!
Congratulations on the nomination, Kathy! And the acceptance! And your review of Doll Palace. 🙂
Thanks, Chris. And oh man, your review in NF was so much more thoughtful and incisive. Reviewing is a skill I’m still working on, but I sure loved that book. Thanks for stopping by!
Good things happening for you, Kathy! And happy to hear you are doing well. I just got Sara’s book and cannot wait to read!
Thanks, Jules! Glad you got the book. I have a strong feeling you’ll love it. : )