Each week, Literary Arts staff will round up news, events, and more happening in the literary community. Let us know if you have any events or news to share.
NEWS
Books Around the Corner in Gresham, Ore., is becoming a genre bookstore. Going forward, the new and used bookstore will focus primarily on science fiction, fantasy, horror and mystery. It will continue to carry books for all ages as well as related nonfiction titles and gifts. (via Shelf Awareness)
Clark County Arts Commission selects next poet laureate
The Clark County Arts Commission announced last week it has selected Armin Tolentino as the Clark County Poet Laureate. Tolentino will serve 2021-2023 promoting the art of poetry and literature throughout Clark County. His term begins April 1, 2021.
Wordplay has announced its 2021 Festival lineup
Wordplay 2021 will be virtual and will take place May 2-8 2021.
VIRTUAL EVENTS
A Conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi via live webinar
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
5:15 p.m. (Pacific)
Free and open to all | Advance registration required
Presented by the Schoenfeldt Distinguished Visiting Writers Series at University of Portland
2021 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony!
Thursday, April 8 | 4:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Suggested donation: $15–$100 | RESERVE HERE »
Jeff Vandermeer in conversation with Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Friday, April 9, 2021
6:00–7:00 p.m. (Pacific)
Tickets are $32 and include a copy of Hummingbird Salamander.
Presented by San Antonio Book Festival in partnership with Portland Book Festival
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS AND WRITERS
Artists sought for artwork commission at the Oregon Supreme Court Building
Deadline: Monday, April 19
The Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Judicial Department invite artists to submit qualifications to be considered for an interior artwork commission at the Supreme Court Building in Salem.
2021 Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant
Deadline: Monday, April 26
The Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant of $40,000 will be awarded to as many as eight writers in the process of completing a book-length work of deeply researched and imaginatively composed nonfiction for a general readership.
Submissions Open for the 72nd National Book Awards
The National Book Foundation is now accepting submissions for the 72nd National Book Awards. Full guidelines for submission are available here and the entry form closes May 12.
34th Summer Fishtrap Virtual Gathering of Writers: Resilience
July 12-18, 2021
Adult workshops $855/$770 for Fishtrappers; Youth workshops $550
Notice: Summer Fishtrap is going virtual for 2021. Click here for details.
FOR KIDS/ TEENS
Oregon Symphony Storytime
The Oregon Symphony’s video series for young kids features fun children’s stories accompanied by a musician, in English and Spanish.
#Virtualandia youth slam poetry championship is open for entries!
Deadline: March 31 at midnight
Virtual Genre-Based Writing Camps (Write the World)
In each session, up to 25 campers will explore new styles of writing and connect across continents as they create pieces they’re proud of. Writers of all levels are invited to participate in the following offerings (for full camp descriptions, please click here):
Sci-Fi/Fantasy — July 5-9
Screenwriting — July 12-16
Writing Poetry for Social Justice — July 19-23
Flash Fiction — July 26-30
Writing to Change the World — August 2-6
Humor Writing — August 9-13
Learning from Agents & Editors: Writing for Publication — August 16-20
Micro Memoirs — August 23-27
LISTEN
The Lisa Congdon Sessions (podcast)
2020 Portland Book Festival guest artist Lisa Congdon is launching a new podcast on April 8. Follow on Instagram
“I’m so excited to share with you The Lisa Congdon Sessions, my new podcast for creative folks, all about living and working with more intention, curiosity and joy. What’s most interesting to me is what happens at the intersection between life as a working artist and life as a human with all of our baggage, aspirations, worries and dreams. What does it mean to live a creative life? What is the connection between creativity and joy? And why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect when it’s the opposite of perfect that is at the core of everything joyful, interesting and exciting in life and in art? From big questions like these to practical questions about business, time management and finding your way through the winding creative path, each week I’ll share stories, tips and insights. I hope you will join me! “