Monthly Archives: September 2009

James Hannaham Reading in Brooklyn!

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God Says No

For those in the Brooklyn area this Thursday, October 1st, James Hannaham, author of One Story issue #121, will be reading as part of the Brooklyn Reading Works series. The night’s theme is “Young, Gifted and Black (Men)” and will feature James, along with Cliff Thompson and Victor LaValle. It’s being held at the Old Stone House in the Park Slope neighborhood at 8pm. You can find more info on the event and RSVP here.

To find out more about James’s new book, God Says No, click here for his interview with Bookslut. Jennifer Egan has called it “Topical and ambitious, disturbing and hilarious, God Says No is everything a person could ask of a first novel — and twice that much.” You can buy it here or at your favorite local book store, and be sure to have James sign it at the reading!

A Travel Guide for Reckless Hearts by N.M. Kelby

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kelby

One Story author N.M. Kelby has just come out with a new collection, A Travel Guide for Reckless Hearts, which includes “Jubilation, Florida”, originally published in issue #54 of the magazine (and currently sold out in our store). Those interested in learning more about Kelby and her work should stop by her wonderful website. There you’ll find not only her tour dates, blog, and details about all her publications, but the luring promise of free books! And be sure to pick up a copy of her collection at your favorite local bookstore or right here

Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link voted best fiction of the millennium so far

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One Story author Kelly Link (issue #59, “The Great Divorce”) made it into the Top 20 countdown of The Best Fiction of the Millenium (So Far) as reported by The Millions! Her 2001 short story collection Stranger Things Happen was voted #18 of the best fiction books published between the years 2000 and 2009. The panel of voters consists of regular contributors to The Millions and 48 selected writers, editors, and critics. So far only slots #20 to #8 have been filled, with a few new books being announced every day until the countdown ends on Friday. Check back at the end of this week for a complete list of The Best Fiction of the Millenium (So Far), perhaps with another One Story author included!

Kevin Wilson Reading in NYC

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Kevin Wilson

One Story author Kevin Wilson, who recently published his debut collection Tunneling to the Center of the Earth, will be appearing this Thursday, September 24th at 7pm as part of New York University’s “New Salon: Fiction Writers in Conversation.” The event takes place at the Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House, located at 58 W. 10th Street. Along with a reading of his work, Kevin will be discussing the craft and art of writing with fellow One Story author and current NYU professor Darin Strauss, whose latest novel, More Than It Hurts You, was recently released in paperback. Kevin will also be on hand afterward to sign copies of his book. These events are always educational, as well as a lot of fun, and we encourage all in the New York area who can make it to attend. More details for the event can be found here.

Great News for Fans of Oprah & Short Fiction

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uwem

Today Oprah Winfrey announced the newest selection for her book club and we at One Story breathed a happy sigh. Though the book club has been going on for several years now and made many a writer a household name, this is the first time a collection of short stories was chosen, and the lucky author is Uwem Akpan, for his acclaimed book Say You’re One of Them, already the winner of a Commonwealth Writer’s Prize and a PEN/Beyond Margins Award. Coming at a time when the big houses balk at publishing collections–especially by new voices–this is an exciting announcement and we only hope that the welcome exposure Akpan and his book get from Oprah will make for a few more fans of short fiction.

Oprah’s site has plenty of great info and some brief selections for those curious about the book but readers with access to the New Yorker archive can also find the full text of his first published story in that magazine here.

Bright Lights, Big Verse

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Check out One Story author Ben Miller at the very exciting Bright Lights, Big Verse reading in Times Square. Ben and the other three winners of the second annual Bright Lights Big Verse contest will proudly showcase their work in a public reading at the Crossroads of the World on Tuesday, September 29th, together with readings by other distinguished poets and literary luminaries. Rumor has it there might be a jumbotron, so all signs point to awesome.

Come to Italy with One Story!

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sirenland2009 112 Applications for Sirenland 2010 are now open!! Visit www.sirenland.net and send us your application today.

Join writers Dani Shapiro, Jim Shepard, and Ron Carlson, along with One Story magazine March 21-27th, 2010 for the Sirenland Writers Conference. Experience intensive, advanced fiction and memoir workshops in an intimate, supportive environment at one of the most beautiful five star luxury hotels in the world—Le Sirenuse—in Positano, Italy.

Here’s what participants from Sirenland 2009 have to say:

“Sirenland is unparalleled in its generosity to writers and its gracious commitment to helping participants to excavate their truest voice. By exploring structure, tone, intention and impulse, the conference makes room for both craft and art with the backdrop of a stunning setting.”—Tessa Blake (Sirenland 2009)

“The conference exceeded my expectations in virtually every way and even fulfilled many I didn’t know I had (or should have!). From the critiquing and teaching methods as a whole, to all the great friends and colleagues I made, to of course the amazing surroundings, both outside and in, the conference was a joy.”—Eric Grunwald (Sirenland 2009)

“I left Sirenland feeling it is less of a place than a concept, created by a small group of gifted artists who understand writing as a calling, and that those among us who must heed the song crave a safe and beautiful haven, enchantment, community and nurturance. Sirenland gives us this and so much more. It feeds the soul, and like a dream you want to return to, it lingers.”—Adele Bertai (Sirenland 2009)

For more information (and beautiful pictures), visit: www.sirenland.net.

Winner of our Tweet Your Own Story Contest Announced

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Big thanks to everyone who entered our Tweet your Own Story contest at this year’s Brooklyn Book Festival. Those of you who kept up with our tweets throughout the day know we received some outstanding entries.

The One Story staff had a difficult decision ahead of them at the bar that night. Though there were impassioned fans of several of the stories, ultimately the staff voted for @andy_anderegg’s supermarket/ wedding story, which we just retweeted for your convenience.

Mom remarried same Dad, in church gym, as a Sunday School lesson. Jesus hates divorce, each say, then eat grocery store cake.

We were looking for an entire story told in the small space, one that evoked an entire scene and feeling. Even the luddites among our staff (yours truly) had to admit the contest was a lot of fun, and all entrants were in good company with Hemingway, who famously wrote the earliest tweet-erific story: For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Worn.

Congratulations, @andy_anderegg, who has won a new Kindle, complete with a Kindle One Story subscription, and thank you to all who entered who helped make 2009′s Brooklyn Book Festival super fun.