May/June 1999

May/June 1999

Our cover story is a profile of writing couple Robert Wrigley, author of five poetry collections, and memoirist Kim Barnes, whose forthcoming memoir Hungry for the World continues the story of her first book, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in autobiography. 

Features

Writing Their Way Home: An Interview With Kim Barnes and Robert Wrigley

by Buddy Levy
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An profile of writers Kim Barnes and Robert Wrigley.

Practitioner of a Dangerous Profession: A Conversation With Frederick Busch

by Charlotte Zoë Walker
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A profile of Frederick Busch.

A Celebration of California Independents

Black Sparrow Press: Bukowski Was Just the First

by Justin Martin
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Black Sparrow Press publisher John Martin publishes only what he likes.

Sun & Moon Press: Dedicated to the Experimental

by Barbara DeMarco Barrett
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The projects that Sun & Moon Press owner Douglas Messerli takes on are those that most major publishers run away from.

Papier-Mache Press: One Woman Working So Many Can Speak

by Carol Schwalberg
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A publisher finds surprising success with a series of anthologies.

Small Press Distribution: Getting Books to Readers

by Brian Bouldrey
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On book distribution.

News and Trends

Academy Restructures Its Board of Chancellors

by Mary Gannon
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The Academy of American Poets responds to racism charge with restructuring.

Ecco Press to Join HarperCollins

by Jim Andrews
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Independent outfit Ecco becomes an imprint of HarperCollins

Incommunicado Press Moves to New York City

by Lauren Sanders
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A San Diego–based alternative press puts up shop in the Lower East Side.

Two California Imprints Start Up

by Christina Davis
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The formation of two California imprints suggests a subtle challenge to the East Coast's stronghold on American publishing.

The Practical Writer

Getting Some Work Done: Soapstone Writers Retreat for Women

by Sara Jameson
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Soapstone affirms that women's writing is of vital importance to our culture.

Amy Holman's Tough-Love Guide to Publishing: Agents and Fees—Now You Know

by Amy Holman
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Information on what a writer's relationship with an agent should be.

The Literary Life

Poet as Private Eye: Confidential Research

by Jeffrey Skinner
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A former private detective finds similar work in the making of poems.

Writing Through Rejection: 12 Step Advice for Serial Quitters

by Elizabeth Mosier
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In the face of rejection, ambition, pride, and humility are worthless; passion and belief are the steam that can help a writer keep going.

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