Newsletter #8
Dear Bibliophile,
It’s one of those times when the universe is aligned and for a moment you are stunned into silence. And into peace. After a rather lengthy and damp year spent in a mice-and-black-mold-ridden house, I’ve finally moved into a new apartment. Dublin rent market is absolutely insane, and this is a lucky find. I have also joined a new company, mostly spent surrounded by books and good vibes.
Now that life is just about right, I want to take a moment and stand still. Enjoy the view and luxuriate in a rare cadence of blessedness.
Meanwhile, let me also share news from the publishing world.
Your very own,
5 Literary News In 50 Words
Barbra Streisand to publish her first memoir
Century, the imprint of Penguin Random House UK, announced Barbra Streisand will publish her first memoir My Name is Barbra later this year. The 80-year-old star found success as a singer, an actor, a director and a producer, and has two Oscars, five Emmys, 10 Grammys, 11 Golden Globes and a Tony award. (The Guardian) Read more.
Publisher to offer free Black history e-books, especially in Florida
Chicago-based publishing house Haymarket Books will offer free e-books focused on Black history after the College Board revised its Advanced Placement African American studies course earlier this month, with Florida, specifically, in its sights. The revisions came after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) refused to allow the class in Florida high schools. (The Hill) Read more.
Publishing industry struggles to survive amid Egypt’s economic crisis
Book publishers in Egypt are struggling to keep the industry afloat amid soaring inflation and a plunging currency that caused paper prices to quadruple in less than a year. After Egyptian pound lost almost 50% of its value against US dollar, the government decided to suspend paper imports, and drove prices up by 280%. (La Prensa Latina) Read more.
Earliest recipe for crisps discovered in 200-year-old cook book
The earliest known recipe for crisps has been discovered in a cookbook printed in 1817. Experts spotted the step-by-step guide in a first edition of The Cook’s Oracle – set to sell for £600. Written by William Kitchiner, a celebrity chef of his day, it’s now rare despite being a best-seller in the UK and the US. (The Irish Sun) Read more.
Russian publishers plan to “retell” foreign bestsellers
Russian publishers to “retell” foreign bestsellers that won’t hit bookstores due to Western companies halting work with Russian counterparts over the Ukraine war, the Kommersant business daily reported. Russia’s largest publisher, Eksmo-AST, will release 3,000 copies of Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” as a “summary, which involves the retelling of its main theses.” (The Moscow Times) Read more.
5 Places To Submit Prose & Poetry
Recently, during a job interview, I was asked how I can manage a full-time career with my creative and publishing pursuits. My answer: I am not creative every day of the year. It ebbs and flows, it can’t be scheduled nor left adrift. Once I write, I edit. And then keep editing until my bones sigh. If you have any such pieces ready, make sure you send them out. Here are places with open submissions window:
- The Citron Review I Ongoing l All genre l Details here.
- bath magg I till Feb 28 I Poetry I Details here.
- Frosted Fire First Pamphlet Award l till March 3 I Poetry I Details here.
- The Selkie I till Feb 28 l All genre, Art I Details here.
- Guernica I Ongoing I All genre I Details here.
Writing Prompt:
I believe February is a good month to start writing. Your home is not too cold, nor too hot. It’s not the busiest time of the year. And the world seems to be in limbo, poised for the burst of energy that’ll come all too soon. So why not take this temporary stasis and jot down your thoughts. Your prompt is food. Anything to do with food, even a passing reference, nostalgia, or any other sentiments. Start small, start with one paragraph.
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