Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy’s Post

Paul Auster. The late and sad news made me think of his books, read a while ago (not to say years), and how they have impacted me and participated to shape my perception of New York, notably the "New York Trilogy". The “New York Trilogy” is a remarkable series that redefines the detective genre, offering a unique and complex view of New York City’s multifaceted lifestyle. The trilogy, composed of “City of Glass,” “Ghosts,” and “The Locked Room,” is a postmodern masterpiece that blends and bends traditional narrative structures, creating a labyrinthine literary experience. Each novel delves into the intricacies of identity, language, and reality, with New York serving as the backdrop for these existential investigations. For me, these books show an innovative approach to storytelling, where the line between the author and the characters often blurs, leading readers on an introspective journey through the city’s streets and the protagonists’ minds. In my mind, Auster’s work is a tapestry of enigmatic narratives that transcend conventional detective fiction, converging in a haunting exploration of the human condition. I personally consider Paul Auster as one of the major American of postmodern literature. His writing is characterized by a deep engagement with existential themes and a distinctive introspective fervor. Auster’s works explore vast themes such as identity, politics, art, language, and consciousness, often through the lens of his beloved New York City. His influence also extends beyond literature, as he has also made his mark in film and screenwriting. To encapsulate the essence of Auster’s work and his connection to New York, I like to refer to this sentence from “The New York Trilogy”: “Every life is inexplicable, I kept telling myself. No matter how many facts are told, no matter how many details are given, the essential thing resists telling.” This line reflects the enigmatic and profound nature of Auster’s storytelling, where the city itself becomes a character, full of mystery and untold stories.

My second book, All The Beautiful Things You Love, is out today! To celebrate, I thought I’d answer a some of the most frequently asked questions I get about writing, editing and publishing a manuscript. How long does it take you to write a book? This one took a year, the last one slightly longer. It then took another 3-6 months to edit, and by industry standards that is fast. There are no quick fixes with writing. That’s kind of what I love about it. How do you find time to write every day? During COVID I learned to drop the myth of the writer with his Moleskine notebook at the cafe, staring out at the world and waiting for inspiration. Then I had a kid. Both of these necessarily moved me into finding small pockets of time to write (the commute, Rae’s midday naps) which I approached with intention. You can get an awful lot done in 45 minutes if you know that’s what you’re there to do. Also, I wrote half this book on my phone. I’m not precious about that stuff anymore. What’s the editing process? If you’re published (as opposed to self-published, where it’s sort of up to you), you’ll get a structural edit (does it all make sense?) and a copy (how’s your grammar?) edit. A lot of writers hate this process but it’s actually my favourite! It’s a bit like your favourite teacher focusing their entire energy on your major work to help make it better. My editor on this book was also my publisher, which means she wore both commercial and artistic hats simultaneously. It was very useful for my first foray into fiction. Two books! Are you heaps rich? I’m lucky to have spent many years interviewing musicians for a living and the earning capacities in this country of writers and bands is not dissimilar. If you don’t love it, don’t do it. That being said, buy this one please 🥰 Do you need an agent to get published? Most times, absolutely. There are some exceptions. If you’re a compelling enough personality, publishers may come to you directly. (I am not yet that compelling.) Also my agent is a complete legend, and has gone into many battles for me over everything from book covers and names through to marketing plans. She is bloody incredible and I’m very lucky to have her in my corner. If you know Grace, you know what I’m talking about. I hear all your books have music in them. How’d you manage that? By having some very upfront conversations about QR codes twice over. I’m a firm believer in listening along to what you’re reading about, it’s always been a bugbear of mine having to put down a book to look up a song. I think this is a hangover from working as a creative in advertising. When you’re writing a novel, it helps to have novel ideas! Alright, enough chat. Where do I buy it? Right here. Support your local bookshop, they’re the best!

This morning, the Chicago Tribune published a powerful editorial emphasizing the crucial role of super connectors in shaping our city, especially within the arts and culture sectors. The editorial highlights a growing demand for more of these individuals. As I read, I could distinctly hear the voice of Chicago Tribune Editor Chris Jones resonating through the piece. The editorial’s premise is clear: a dynamic city like Chicago requires socially engaged leaders—like the legendary Lois Weisberg, former Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) —to bring people from all walks of life together and create meaningful, lasting impact. It argues that we currently lack a figure like Weisberg, someone who can help the city administration reinforce Chicago's standing as a global cultural hub. While I agree with the overall sentiment of the Editorial, it's essential to recognize that today's cultural landscape is much more diverse and heterogeneous (thankfully!) than it was 20 years ago. We do, in fact, have many cultural leaders working tirelessly to foster a connected and thriving ecosystem in Chicago—leaders like GERTIE's Abby Pucker, Broadway In Chicago's Lou Raizin, former DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey, Poetry Foundation's Michelle T. Boone, and many others. As always, I remain hopeful. We all have the potential to be more engaged super connectors, and we should strive to use the phrases, "Can I introduce you to…?" and "Have you heard about this amazing initiative/performance/event...?" more frequently. It’s through these small actions that we can collectively create the vibrant cultural landscape our city deserves.

Celebrating the end of this year with the publication of the first article of my PhD in Logos: “From Grey to Great? Hoi Publishing and the rise of hybrid publishing services in Sweden” 🎉🎉 The article looks into the practices of hybrid publishing services and explains how this model differs from traditional publishing and self-publishing. Particular attention is given to the case of Hoi Publishing in Sweden! #hybridförlag #hybridpublishing #egenutgivning #selfpublishing https://lnkd.in/eb-haNfd

CALLING ALL WRITERS AND ARTISTS! Submit your work in the next issue of the Library Zine: Voices from Across the New York Public Library. This year’s theme is “Progress is a Process“ Nobody’s perfect. As we have seen in the past couple of months, our community and our world is still a work in progress. But that is the case with anything that requires strength and effort. We still have more work to do and that is what we are asking in our 2024 Zine Theme. What causes are important to you? What events have transpired, personally or globally, that made you take stock in what’s important to you? Did it make you grow or transform as a person? What can others gain or learn from these changes? Answer these questions and more in our 2024 Zine theme: Progress Is A Process. This theme is centered around our world being a work in progress”. Although the past few years have been challenging for many, don’t feel limited to addressing current events. The Zine Committee is looking for creative and unique takes on how the world is growing. Deadline: November 1, 2024 Visit website to check out submission guidelines: bit.ly/LibraryZine #writers #artists #zine #callforwork #submissioncall #literarymagazine

Title: Unveiling the Literary Gem: The Best American Short Stories of the Century Review Are you on a quest for a literary voyage enriched with the essence of American storytelling brilliance? Look no further as "The Best American Short Stories of the Century" stands as a paramount treasure trove of captivating narratives that mirrors the diverse tapestry of American literature. Key Features: "The Best American Short Stories of the Century" is a curated collection compiled by the notable editor John Updike. This anthology distills a century of American literary prowess, showcasing short stories that have stood the test of time. From renowned masters like Hemingway and Fitzgerald to emerging talents, this anthology encapsulates the kaleidoscope of American storytelling. Benefits: One of the standout benefits of this anthology is its ability to transport readers to different landscapes, eras, and perspectives within the compact confines of a short story. Each narrative is a potent dose of emotion, intellect, and creativity, offering readers a glimpse into the essence of the American experience. Whether you're a seasoned literature enthusiast or a casual reader, these stories will leave an indelible mark on your literary sensibilities. Use Cases: "The Best American Short Stories of the Century" is a versatile literary companion. It can be your go-to source for an immersive reading experience during your leisure hours. Dive into a story during your morning commute, savor one before bedtime, or use it as a conversation starter in book clubs. Moreover, educators can leverage this anthology to introduce students to the richness and diversity of American literature in a compact and engaging format. In conclusion, "The Best American Short Stories of the Century" is a literary masterpiece that transcends time and resonates with readers seeking profound storytelling experiences. This anthology is not just a collection of stories; it is a gateway to the heart and soul of American narratives. Embrace these stories, let them unfold before you, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled artistry of American short fiction. And that wraps up our review! Don't forget to hit that like and subscribe button for more awesome content. Your support means the world to us. For more information, check the link in the description. Check out the product here: https://lnkd.in/d_Q8nqJ4

May be of interest to folks here. ABSTRACT In his study Storycraft, the veteran American journalist Jack Hart asks the following questions about reportage, memoir and other forms of nonfiction writing that proceed from the first-person perspective of their author: ‘Where’s the storyteller standing? What can he see and hear? Whose story is it, anyway?' (Hart, 2021, Storycraft: The complete guide to writing narrative nonfiction (p. 39). University of Chicago Press). The questions are suggestive of the formal and creative decisions reportage practitioners must make, but also of their ethical obligations to fairly represent their human subjects, especially if they are vulnerable, underprivileged and/or marginalized. The hinting at viewpoint – ‘whose story…’ – might also make us think about how identity is constructed from the stories we tell about ourselves and about our interactions with the world. This paper addresses all these issues primarily, though not exclusively, through the prism of Coast of Teeth, a practice-based visual and textual reportage project we completed in late 2022.

Long have I nurtured a love affair with the written word. The selection of words, and the arrangement of ideas...like the composition of a great piece of music. Over many decades, my wide-ranging interests have led me to amass a fairly decent personal library (~3,000 books) - that spans many different fields, genres, and time periods...with science fiction, in particular, being a continual source of a deep and abiding joy. Tonight I have completed my editorial review notes for a new science fiction author's first book (pre-publication). Having worked with many first-time authors (primarily as technical editor, or early technical reviewer), and helped several publishing houses evaluate quite a few book proposals over the years - this first-time author stands out as exceptional. As many other authors have learned - I do not hold back from offering critical reviews - and do not suffer fools gladly who produce sloppy work. And so, it was a completely unexpected *delight* to do this review for a first-time book author - that has created a work of such a high degree of quality storytelling. With just a bit of sharpening, this book may well be a possible contender for a Hugo Award nomination, or The Astounding Award for Best New Writer. You may well see this author's storytelling *eventually* brought to you on a screen sometime in the future... [image credit: Willgard, on pixabay.com]

New webinars added to our events calendar 🚨 We've been getting great feedback from authors attending our events recently, and so, off the back of some great conversations last week at The London Book Fair, we've added two new webinars to our event calendar, with industry experts joining the Troubador team as hosts. On the 27th of June, one of our amazing Author Ambassadors, Andy Mullaney, will be hosting a webinar alongside Alex Thompson on 'Public Speaking and Networking for Authors'. In the session, Andy will be explaining why a huge part of an author promoting their book is having the confidence and skills to talk about it to a room of people and be able to hold a compelling and engaging conversation about it. Andy will offer all his thoughts, tips and tricks on how authors can effectively promote their work publically from his own extensive experience. Read more about this webinar here: https://lnkd.in/ger49VvX Then, on the 17th of July, Amazon expert Cam Lennon will be joining Andrea Johnson to discuss all things Amazon. In the session, titled 'How an Author Can Maximise Their Success on Amazon', authors will be taken through everything they need to know about how to give their books the best chance of discovery and sales success in the crowded world of Amazon. From creating a killer author profile to marketing their titles and maximising sales, this is a must-attend for any authors who have published or want to publish their work on Amazon. Register for this webinar here: https://lnkd.in/gWrKrvuZ Even if these webinars aren't up your street, we have a huge variety already booked for the year ahead. From conferences to webinars, and experience days to guest speaking, the Troubador team are on a mission to help authors figure out the world of self-publishing. Check out all our events here: https://lnkd.in/g_NKQJR6 We hope to see you all there! 👋 #selfpublishing #selfpublished #bookpromotion #bookpromo #bookpublishing #author #authorlife #writingcommunity #bookmarketing