In our afternoon reading: fiction from Howard Fast, revisiting Ralph Ellison’s letters, and more.
An Excerpt From “South Side Venus: The Legacy of Margaret Burroughs”
Today, we’re pleased to publish an excerpt from Mary Ann Cain’s new book South Side Venus: The Legacy of Margaret Burroughs. Its publisher, Northwestern University Press, gives readers a sense of what to expect: “The extraordinarily productive life of curator, artist, and activist Margaret Burroughs was largely rooted in her work to establish and sustain two significant institutions in Chicago: the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC), founded in 1940, and the DuSable Museum of African American History, founded in her living room in 1961.” Cain’s book is the first full-length biography of Burroughs, and draws on extensive research as well as the author’s conversations with Burroughs herself.
Morning Bites: Jack Rose Remembered, Leland Cheuk, Adapting “Little Women,” duncan b. barlow, and More
In our morning reading: exploring the musical influence of Jack Rose, an interview with Ariana Reines, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Kali Fajardo-Anstine on 2019, Mairead Case, Bud Smith on Naps, Josh Gondelman, and More
In our afternoon reading: Kali Fajardo-Anstine looks back on the year in books, essays from Mairead Case and Bud Smith, and more.
The State of Seattle Shoegaze: An Interview With somesurprises
Earlier this fall, the self-titled LP from Seattle’s somesurprises hit record stores and digital services around the country. somesurprises began as the solo project of Natasha El-Sergany and has gradually begun involving other musicians; the result is a group that creates textured, haunting music that clicks on multiple levels. Following a fall tour, I talked with El-Sergany about the creation of the band’s new album, their time on the road, and more.
Morning Bites: Jeff VanderMeer Interviewed, Madison McFerrin, Revisiting “I Hotel,” Lynn Steger Strong, and More
In our morning reading: an interview with Jeff VanderMeer, new writing from Lynn Steger Strong, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Bette Howland Revisited, Chigozie Obioma Interviewed, Devendra Banhart’s Recommendations, and More
In our afternoon reading: looking back at the writings of Bette Howland, an interview with Chigozie Obioma, and more.
Books Are Not Products, They Are Bridges: Challenging Linear Ideas of Success in Literary Publishing
Books Are Not Products, They Are Bridges: Challenging Linear Ideas of Success in Literary Publishing
by Janice Lee
I want to talk about the struggle of returning home.
That is, I want to talk about the challenges I faced in looking for a publisher for my new novel, Imagine a Death, and how this process forced me to examine my own beliefs and wounds around linear ideas of success and to begin to work towards healing and freedom from a limited imagination.