5 Random Things: Say My Name
Posted on 30 August 2012
1. A few weeks ago, when I introduced myself to someone at a contributor get-together for Rust Belt Chic: The Cleveland Anthology, she said, “Oh, are you Laura Maylene?”
2. David Abrams, an author and literary advocate whose forthcoming novel Fobbit is definitely going to be big-time, recently featured my guest post in his “My First Time” series. My post chronicles the first paying acceptance I received for a short story. I was 16 years old, I knew nothing, and I thought the acceptance would surely lead to grander things immediately. I think you can imagine what happens next (it starts with an “r” and ends with an “ejection”) but go on and read all about it here. Be sure to check out that series and David’s site in general; it’s a great read for any writer. And if you feel jealous when you read about some of the accolades Fobbit is already racking up, don’t worry. That’s natural.
3. You have probably already read this essay, but since some of us are behind the times thanks to Bread Loaf, here it is: “Explicit Violence.” I love Lidia Yuknavitch. And here are a few other older links worth sharing: The Rejectionist writes about spending five days on a yacht (and the nature of creation and storytelling and truth) and Nova Ren Suma remembers the MFA classmate who hated her writing style and admits how she feels about him now.
4. At Bread Loaf, poet Meghan Dunn wrote this lovely poem and read it during a Blue Parlor reading, and now she’s sharing it with us all. Also, here’s her Bread Loaf recap.
5. More Bread Loaf recaps and articles! Keeping the Faith on The Millions by Michael Bourne, from this year’s conference, as well as some oldies but goodies: Meakin Armstrong writes about being a Bread Loaf waiter in 2005; Dave Koch’s 5-part Bread Loaf waiter diary from 2002; Rebecca Mead’s infamous 2001 New Yorker article about Bread Loaf; and “A Day in the Loaf.” (Okay, I guess the secret is out: Bread Loaf is still on my mind, just a little.)
Housekeeping items: I’ve updated a few pages on this site, including the Events page with my upcoming readings (Sept. 8 is coming up fast); the About page with some handy Q&A/interview/review links; and the Living Arrangements page. Now I’m already gearing up to spend the long weekend writing, reading, and maybe, just maybe, breaking my self-imposed post-Bread Loaf alcohol detox program. See you Tuesday.
Photo: sunside
6 responses to 5 Random Things: Say My Name
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Love that new photo on the About page (/facebook profile)!
Thank you! I was eating brunch at a vegetarian restaurant at the time. Formal photo sessions do not work for me — I need to be caught in the wild. And preferably with coffee/food so my smile is real.
Thanks for linking, Laura! Bread Loaf is still very much on my mind, so I’m enjoying the plethora of Bread Loaf-related articles you’re posting here :)
You’re welcome. And yes, we all seem to be going through withdrawal.
I’m catching up on your Bread Loaf posts and bang! An avalanche of cool links. Looks like you’ve helped me figure out what to do tomorrow when it’s too quiet at the office.
That’s my ultimate goal: creating workplace distractions. Enjoy!