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5 posts tagged Center for Fiction
This Week’s Readings
So in a bit of personal news: I got a new job!
I’ll be starting as a senior developmental editor at Bedford/St. Martin’s (an imprint of Macmillan) later this week. It was so surreal to clear out my cubicle at Elsevier on Friday, as I worked there for six years, first in Philly and then New York. I have some wonderful friends there who I’ll greatly miss (though I’m putting us on a monthly happy hour schedule). But I’m excited for the change, both in the work I’ll be doing — developing print and e-content for neat books such as this — and in the awesome team I’ll get to work with.
In my few days off between jobs, I’m planning to hit up the Met for the Warhol exhibit, catch a matinee of Lincoln, and attend a reading or two. My top options for literary events are after the jump!
BookStalked: Sugar Vendil of The Center for Fiction
The Center for Fiction regularly puts on fantastic events (e.g., Joyce Carol Oates!), but its history and mission show that it goes far beyond just being a reading venue. The Center is the only U.S. nonprofit devoted solely to fiction, and was founded back in 1820, when its collection predated the public library system. The historic eight-story building on East 47th boasts an indie bookstore, reading rooms, an events space, archives, a screening room, and a writers’ studio and library (whew!). The Center also offers classes, workshops, and grants to emerging writers. I was delighted to speak with events producer Sugar Vendil about some of her favorite readings, behind-the-scenes tales, and the Center’s most exciting upcoming events.
Joyce Carol Oates
Last Wednesday Joyce Carol Oates spoke with Crime Fiction Director Jonathan Santlofer at the Center for Fiction. I’ve never thought of Joyce as a crime writer, exactly, but Jonathan made the point that most of her works start with a crime that sets the plot in motion. Her newest book, Mudwoman, stems from a real life incident: the near-murder of her grandmother.
This Week’s Readings
So, I just started watching Downton Abbey. Thought you all should know that. Props to my gif-happy friend Kate (and her more Masterpiece Theater-reluctant roomie Brenna) for the screening because after only one episode I’m completely hooked. It’s funny to me that a niche-seeming show could amass such wide appeal (I mean, see Downton Abbeyonce), but Kate made the point: if you make a high-quality, character-driven, intriguing show, people will watch.
Let’s dig into the lit scene this week. There are some great events coming up, including readings by Alan Lightman, Sara Levine, Shalom Auslander, Colson Whitehead and Andre Dubus III.
Margaret Atwood
Ever wonder what a homemade Powerpoint presentation by Margaret Atwood detailing her life would look like? Well, let me tell you.
