Official podcast of #AWP20 with Bloomsday Literary—Day 2
Anna Lena is the editor and art director for Ecotone* and an editor for Lookout Books at the University of North Carolina—Wilmington. She talks about Ecotone’s mission and aesthetic, how to balance the two for publication, and dishes about her absolute stunner of a craft book, A Pocket Book of Forms.
*While recording the episode, I refer to Anna Lena as an editor at Ecotone. She is the editor and art director there. My sincerist apologies for the goof on the tape.
Paulette Perhach 17:15
On the mini segment of “Daniel’s Blazer,” Paulette Perhach talks with Daniel Peña about who she’s wearing, her book Welcome to the Writer’s Life, and how “Broke Back Mountain” was the best thing she’s read.
Courtney Maum 22:57
Courtney Maum—author of Costalegre—discusses her new book Before and After the Book Deal, a “what to expect when you’re expecting” for writers published by Catapult. She’s also, interestingly, a product namer for several cosmetic companies in Connecticut and host to a writers’ retreat called The Cabins.
Norma Elia Cantú 44:52
Norma Elia Cantú is the Norene R. and T. Frank Murchison Endowed Professor in Humanities at Trinity University as well as professor emerita at the University of Texas in San Antonio. She trekked the El Camino de Santiago in Spain in 2011 after an inspiring panel with Sandra Cisneros and then wrote a blog El Camino A Year Later about her experience. Her other works reflect her passion for the border, boundaries, and the culture of the regions. She is also a contributor to Dancing Across Borders: Danzas y Bailes Mexicanos.
Michaeljulius Y. Idani 1:06:50
Working with Rita Woods, Michaeljulius Idani is a mentee through the Writer-to-Writer Program hosted by AWP. He thanked his wife for her immense support and giving him the opportunity of honing his craft outside of academia. He’s also worked on the aesthetics of bookstagram on his Instagram account that pays homage to his early interest in photography of HBCs. (He’s also the velvety voice you hear in the opening credits for the AWP reels. Thanks Michaeljulius!)
Christopher Miguel Flakus 1:20:18
An MFA student at the University of Houston, Christopher Miguel Flakus talks with us about his experience as a founder and co-editor of the new Defunkt Magazine. Defunkt showcases “compelling, accessible, and culturally relevant work--anything the mainstream is ignoring or marginalizing.” It’s a glorious and artful nod to zine and punk culture.
Jeneé Darden 1:36:04
A reporter for outlets including NPR and KALW, Jenee Darden reminds us of the importance of broadcast and audio media. She also shares a mental health awareness anthology she’s contributed to, We’ve Been Too Patient, and her own collection of essays and poems, When the Purple Rose Blooms.