KR Newsletter—November 2007

November News Graphic

KENYON REVIEW NAMES NEW MANAGING EDITOR

The Kenyon Review has named Tyler Meier as the magazine’s new managing editor. Meier has been a member of the KR family since 2004, when he joined the staff of the Young Writers workshop as an instructor. In 2007, he took on added responsibilities as Editor of the Kenyon Review Blog.

A 2001 graduate of Kenyon College, Meier received an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Washington in 2005. He served as Coordinating Editor of the Seattle Review, and since 2006, he has worked as Merrill House Director at Hampshire College.

“Tyler Meier's appointment as Managing Editor of The Kenyon Review promises a fresh vitality and important new ideas,” said Editor David Lynn. “A longtime member of the KR community--among other things Tyler has served as an instructor in the Young Writers program for several years and as the editor of the KR blog--he will strengthen our literary enterprise. I especially look forward to his contributions to our electronic innovations on the website, kenyonreview.org.”

PUSHCART PRIZES HONOR KR AUTHORS

Pushcart Cover 2008 Linda Gregerson’s poem “Bicameral” and Meghan O’Rourke’s poem “War Lullaby” (See KR Archive section below) were selected for 2008 Pushcart Prizes. They appear in 2008 Pushcart Prize XXXII: Best Of The Small Presses, out soon from Pushcart Press.

Additionally, three pieces from KR received special mention: Randy Fertel’s “Katrina Five Ways,” Daniel Stern’s “The Advancer,” and Erin McGraw’s “California.”

Our hats are off to these writers for giving us the chance to publish their work. Celebrate them with us by finding their other work:

Linda Gregerson’s most recent book of poems is Magnetic North.

Meghan O’Rourke’s most recent book is Halflife: Poems. She writes a weekly column for the Arts and Life section of slate.com.

Erin McGraw’s most recent book is The Good Life: Stories.

Portions of Randy Fertel’s memoir in progress appeared in My New Orleans: Ballads to the Big Easy. He has also served as a commentator on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

Last but not least, the late Daniel Stern’s work is easily referenced in this entry on him.

KENYON REVIEW LITERARY FESTIVAL REPORT

KR's own associate programs director, Abigail Wadsworth Serfass wraps up the LitFest for us:

The First Annual Kenyon Review Literary Festival flooded the Kenyon campus with authors, editors and literature lovers from near and far over the weekend of Nov. 9-10.

The festivities were actually kicked off in New York City on Thursday the 8th at the Four Seasons restaurant where honoree Margaret Atwood received the sixth annual Kenyon Review Award for Literary Achievement. David Lynn, editor of the Kenyon Review, was quoted in the Columbus Dispatch: "The Kenyon Review trustees continue to honor writers who, over a period of decades, have produced bodies of work that are both of the highest merit and represent voices that are brave and resist commercial devaluation," Lynn said. "Margaret Atwood sends that message loud and clear."

The festivities began on campus on Friday night with a Stone Soup Supper and the Writers Harvest. Both events were designed to raise awareness of the problem of hunger in our community and raised over four hundred dollars which will be donated to local charities.

Stone Soup Supper

Stone Soup Supper in Weaver Cottage (Photo credit: Emily Zeller)

Saturday’s panels, readings, seminars and roundtable discussions drew large crowds. Many attendees and presenters remarked on the variety of sessions offered and the enthusiasm with which the audience responded to the different topics. The all-day CLMP Lit Mag Fair and Used Book Sale also brought in a wide range of book lovers from all over with low prices and great selection.

Margaret Atwood speaks with Kenyon students

Atwood spoke with a small group of students about the writing life on Saturday afternoon (Photo credit: Megan Nadolski)

The keynote event The Denham Sutcliffe Memorial Lecture: An Evening with Margaret Atwood filled Rosse Hall to capacity. Standing among the other presenters from the day’s events who were seated on the stage, Atwood read a short selection from her novel, Oryx and Crake, about a liberal arts college in her dystopian future world. She went on to present what she called “two of the possible talks” she could have given: one about the state of the world today and the other about the value of a liberal arts education. After a brief Q&A session, Atwood signed books for her many fans well into the night.

Margaret Atwood on stage

Atwood on stage at Rosse Hall (Photo credit: Will Peters)

This inaugural Literary Festival was deemed a rousing success by all, and we here at the KR offices look forward to planning the next one.

KENYON REVIEW ANNOUNCES NEW SHORT FICTION CONTEST

The Kenyon Review will begin accepting submissions for the Kenyon Review Short Fiction Prize on February 1, 2008. The contest is open to all writers under 30 years of age. Submissions must be 1,200 words or less to qualify for the contest.

The contest winner receives a full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop. In addition, the winning story will be published in a special section of The Kenyon Review, along with the stories submitted by the first two runners-up. The semi-finalists’ stories will be featured online at the magazine’s website, www.kenyonreview.org.

Submissions will be accepted beginning February 1, 2008, and concluding February 15, 2008. Entries must be submitted through the Review’s website, where an entry form will be available.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SAVOR "LA DOLCE VITA" (THE SWEET LIFE) AT THE KENYON REVIEW WRITERS WORKSHOPS IN ITALY, MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2008!

Inspiration abounds in the charming medieval village of Vitorchiano (in the Tuscia region) where three workshops will be offered. Come read and write poetry with David Baker. Or perhaps you'd prefer to write some fiction with David Lynn (author, professor and editor of The Kenyon Review) or create literary nonfiction with author Rebecca McClanahan. Accommodations at Hotel Piccolo Opera include a private room, with private bath, and three meals a day featuring traditional Italian fare. There will be excursions to nearby sites, as well as time for participants to plan their own day trips to Rome or Florence via train. The cost of this week-long program is $3,250, which includes tuition, room, and meals. Airfare is not included. Deadline for applications is March 15. If you have questions, please email reacha@kenyon.edu or phone (740) 427-5207. We hope you will join us!

Click here to view a slideshow of photos from the 2005 workshop.

KENYON REVIEW NAMES NEW MANAGING EDITOR The Kenyon Review has named Tyler Meier as the magazine’s new managing editor. Meier has been a member of the KR family since 2004, when he joined the staff of the Young Writers workshop as an instructor. In 2007, he took on added responsibilities as Editor of the Kenyon Review Blog. A 2001 graduate of Kenyon College, Meier received an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Washington in 2005. He served as Coordinating Editor of the Seattle Review, and since 2006, he has worked as Merrill House Director at Hampshire College. “Tyler Meier's appointment as Managing Editor of The Kenyon Review promises a fresh vitality and important new ideas,” said Editor David Lynn. “A longtime member of the KR community--among other things Tyler has served as an instructor in the Young Writers program for several years and as the editor of the KR blog--he will strengthen our literary enterprise. I especially look forward to his contributions to our electronic innovations on the website, kenyonreview.org.” PUSHCART PRIZES HONOR KR AUTHORS Linda Gregerson’s poem “Bicameral” and Meghan O’Rourke’s poem “War Lullaby” (See KR Archive section below) were selected for 2008 Pushcart Prizes. They appear in 2008 Pushcart Prize XXXII: Best Of The Small Presses, out soon from Pushcart Press. Additionally, three pieces from KR received special mention: Randy Fertel’s “Katrina Five Ways,” Daniel Stern’s “The Advancer,” and Erin McGraw’s “California.” Our hats are off to these writers for giving us the chance to publish their work. Celebrate them with us by finding their other work: Linda Gregerson’s most recent book of poems is Magnetic North. Meghan O’Rourke’s most recent book is Halflife: Poems. She writes a weekly column for the Arts and Life section of slate.com. Erin McGraw’s most recent book is The Good Life: Stories. Portions of Randy Fertel’s memoir in progress appeared in My New Orleans: Ballads to the Big Easy. He has also served as a commentator on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Last but not least, the late Daniel Stern’s work is easily referenced in this entry on him. KENYON REVIEW LITERARY FESTIVAL REPORT KR's own associate programs director, Abigail Wadsworth Serfass wraps up the LitFest for us: The First Annual Kenyon Review Literary Festival flooded the Kenyon campus with authors, editors and literature lovers from near and far over the weekend of Nov. 9-10. The festivities were actually kicked off in New York City on Thursday the 8th at the Four Seasons restaurant where honoree Margaret Atwood received the sixth annual Kenyon Review Award for Literary Achievement. David Lynn, editor of the Kenyon Review, was quoted in the Columbus Dispatch: "The Kenyon Review trustees continue to honor writers who, over a period of decades, have produced bodies of work that are both of the highest merit and represent voices that are brave and resist commercial devaluation," Lynn said. "Margaret Atwood sends that message loud and clear." The festivities began on campus on Friday night with a Stone Soup Supper and the Writers Harvest. Both events were designed to raise awareness of the problem of hunger in our community and raised over four hundred dollars which will be donated to local charities. Stone Soup Supper in Weaver Cottage (Photo credit: Emily Zeller) Saturday’s panels, readings, seminars and roundtable discussions drew large crowds. Many attendees and presenters remarked on the variety of sessions offered and the enthusiasm with which the audience responded to the different topics. The all-day CLMP Lit Mag Fair and Used Book Sale also brought in a wide range of book lovers from all over with low prices and great selection. Atwood spoke with a small group of students about the writing life on Saturday afternoon (Photo credit: Megan Nadolski) The keynote event The Denham Sutcliffe Memorial Lecture: An Evening with Margaret Atwood filled Rosse Hall to capacity. Standing among the other presenters from the day’s events who were seated on the stage, Atwood read a short selection from her novel, Oryx and Crake, about a liberal arts college in her dystopian future world. She went on to present what she called “two of the possible talks” she could have given: one about the state of the world today and the other about the value of a liberal arts education. After a brief Q&A session, Atwood signed books for her many fans well into the night. Atwood on stage at Rosse Hall (Photo credit: Will Peters) This inaugural Literary Festival was deemed a rousing success by all, and we here at the KR offices look forward to planning the next one. KENYON REVIEW ANNOUNCES NEW SHORT FICTION CONTEST The Kenyon Review will begin accepting submissions for the Kenyon Review Short Fiction Prize on February 1, 2008. The contest is open to all writers under 30 years of age. Submissions must be 1,200 words or less to qualify for the contest. The contest winner receives a full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop. In addition, the winning story will be published in a special section of The Kenyon Review, along with the stories submitted by the first two runners-up. The semi-finalists’ stories will be featured online at the magazine’s website, www.kenyonreview.org. Submissions will be accepted beginning February 1, 2008, and concluding February 15, 2008. Entries must be submitted through the Review’s website, where an entry form will be available. YOU ARE INVITED TO SAVOR "LA DOLCE VITA" (THE SWEET LIFE) AT THE KENYON REVIEW WRITERS WORKSHOPS IN ITALY, MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2008! Inspiration abounds in the charming medieval village of Vitorchiano (in the Tuscia region) where three workshops will be offered. Come read and write poetry with David Baker. Or perhaps you'd prefer to write some fiction with David Lynn (author, professor and editor of The Kenyon Review) or create literary nonfiction with author Rebecca McClanahan. Accommodations at Hotel Piccolo Opera include a private room, with private bath, and three meals a day featuring traditional Italian fare. There will be excursions to nearby sites, as well as time for participants to plan their own day trips to Rome or Florence via train. The cost of this week-long program is $3,250, which includes tuition, room, and meals. Airfare is not included. Deadline for applications is March 15. If you have questions, please email reacha@kenyon.edu or phone (740) 427-5207. We hope you will join us! Click here to view a slideshow of photos from the 2005 workshop.
FALL 2006 Meghan O’Rourke’s poem “War Lullaby” was one of two KR poems selected for the 2008 Pushcart Prize. Literary editor for Slate and co-poetry editor at the Paris Review, O’Rourke will be an instructor at the 2008 Kenyon Writers Workshop. She recently published her first book of poetry, Halflife. Her poetry has been published the New Yorker, the New Republic, the Yale Review, the New York Review of Books, and her prose in Poetry, the New York Times Book Review, Slate, and the LA Times Book Review. WAR LULLABY Meghan O’Rourke Wet daggers of grass cast shadows over one another beneath the porch light— the boy stretched on the lawn, fighting sleep, fingers the tournament ring: inside the house his mother shouts, blinds slap in the breeze, and upstairs the smallest stir as they sleep, eyelashes like tiny whips against their cheeks. The dogs bark, a door slams, the boys breathe deep, then shudder— I have seen them sleepwalk out of the arms of mothers. Read KR's interview with Meghan O'Rourke.	Think of this section as a bulletin from KR in which we brag about the accomplishments of the extended KR family and leave out the gall-bladder surgeries. Meena Alexander’s new book of poems, Quickly Changing River, will be published by TriQuarterly Books/ Northwestern University Press, in February 2008. Bruce Beasley’s new book, The Corpse Flower: New And Selected Poems, has been published this year by the University of Washington Press. His poems have recently appeared in New American Writing, Field, Southern Review, and in The Pushcart Book Of Poetry: The Best Poems From The First 30 Years Of The Pushcart Prizes. Adam Day’s poem “Then, Everything Slept” will appear in the January/February issue of American Poetry Review. His work is currently featured in a gallery show at Swanson Reed Contemporary Gallery in Louisville, Kentucky involving works created by 21 artists from Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Chicago, who have created original pieces responding to his poems. Clare Dunsford’s book, Spelling Love with an X: A Mother, A Son, and the Gene that Binds Them, has been published by Beacon Press. The book is featured as the cover story of Boston College Magazine’s fall issue. An essay from that book, “Base Pairs,” was published in the KR Winter 2006 special issue on the human genome. Another chapter, “Speaking of Love/Reading My Son,” will appear in Love You to Pieces: Creative Writers on Raising a Child with Special Needs, an anthology forthcoming from Beacon Press in 2008. Holly Goddard Jones has been awarded a 2007 Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers Award in recognition of the special contributions women writers make to our culture and society. Joanie Mackowski’s poem, “When I Was A Dinosaur,” was included in Best American Poetry 2007 (Scribner's), edited by Heather McHugh and David Lehman. C.M. Mayo will lead a series of one-day writing workshops in Mexico City during 2008 sponsored by Dancing Chiva Literary Arts. Her one-day workshop on literary travel writing, focusing on techniques for creating vivid novelistic effects in travel narratives, will take place on January 19, 2008. She will teach a workshop on techniques of fiction in October, 2008. Davis McCombs’ second book of poems, Dismal Rock, was published in October by Tupelo Press. It was chosen by Linda Gregerson for the 2005 Dorset Prize. Erin McGraw’s new novel, The Seamstress Of Hollywood Boulevard, is forthcoming from Houghton-Mifflin in August. An excerpt entitled “California” appeared in KR 28.4. Derek Mong has been awarded the Grand Prize from Alehouse Press for a poem title "O h i o-" that will appear in the journal early in 2008. The poem can be found on their website. In addition, Pleiades will run a feature on his work this winter, with an introduction by KR Poetry Editor David Baker. John Rodden published two critical studies of George Orwell in 2007: Every Intellectual's Big Brother: George Orwell's Literary Siblings (The University of Texas Press), and The Cambridge Companion to George Orwell (Cambridge University Press). Deema Shehabi's poem "At the Dome of the Rock" is part of the Mutanabbi Street Coalition: Exhibition of Broadsides, which is being shown at the San Francisco Center for the Book. She recommends In the Heart of the Heart of Another Country by Etel Adnan (City Lights, 2005), which she describes as “an exploratory memoir on identity and displacement." Reginald Shepherd's fifth book, Fata Morgana, was published by the University of Pittsburgh Press in spring 2007. His collection of literary essays, Orpheus in the Bronx, will be published in the University of Michigan Press Poets on Poetry series in 2008. Also forthcoming in 2008 is his second poetry anthology, Lyric Postmodernisms, to be published by Counterpath Press. He has recently been awarded a Florida Arts Council fellowship, and he currently writes a blog on poetry and poetics at http://reginaldshepherd.blogspot.com. He recommends Stephen Pinker's The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature, which he describes as “a fascinating book on the various relationships of language and thought,” and The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century by Alex Ross, “an engaging and wide-ranging exploration of modern art music which steers clear of the common extremes of either the beatification or the vilification of modern music." Steven Ray Smith's work has recently appeared in the Concho River Review. Andrew Zawacki has two chapbooks forthcoming: Georgia, co-winner of the 1913 Prize, from Katalanché Press, and Roche limit, from Track & Field. His translations of Sébastien Smirou have been appearing in 1913, Aufgabe, Double Change, and Verse.
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