Home by Leila S. Chudori, from Indonesia, and translated by John H. McGlynn, is my monthly favourite read. It is published by Deep Vellum Press, which is how I became aware of it. Chudori deals with love, identity, and the concept of home. Home is represented by where the characters live for different reasons, as well as where they wish to live, both in their current lives and when they die. The novel is a great mix of politics, personal relationships, and the search for a space to be oneself in today's world. A bit simple in some sections, but overall a tremendous read.
Writing Cave
I finished up my writing retreat last week. It was an incredible experience, with tons of inspiration, new writing prompts, and lots of new story ideas and conclusions. Below is a picture of my apartment throughout the week. It looks a bit cave-like but was actually a wonderful place to spend hours writing on my own each day. The Reader Berlin hosted the event and I am very thankful to Victoria, Callie, and Dimitra who organised and led the workshops.
My Name is Daniel
My second story was just published by Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review. The story is called "My Name is Daniel" and it explores the inner thinkings of a homeless man riding a Berlin train. I am very honoured to have it appear in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue. It can be read online and a print copy can also be purchased.
"And we drank."
There is a lot of drinking in a Jerzy Pilch story. In fact, you might say that was the main plot if not for the colourful characters and all their ambitious plans. I have enjoyed the three books of his that I have read and look forward to acquiring and reading "His Current Woman." "The Mighty Angel" (my favorite) translated by Bill Johnston, "A Thousand Peaceful Cities" translated by David Frick, and "My First Suicide" also translated by David Frick are available from Open Letter. A great Polish writer with lots to say on addiction in all its forms.
Writing Retreat, Pinakates, Greece
This Thursday, I leave for a writing retreat in Greece sponsored by The Reader Berlin. Lots of work planned with workshops, writing, and readings. I would think a bit of exploring the mountain village as well. Posts will follow during the week.
Travel Through Cooking
The food was so good in Spain I thought I would try to replicate what I ate during breaks. No bacon sandwiches yet, but it will happen.
White-Bean Stew
Potato Omelet
Camino De Santiago
In April, my wife and I joined friends in Pamplona, Spain to walk a section of the Camino de Santiago, from Pamplona to Burgos.
We had warm, blue sky days with great walking, food, and drink. We were in Spain over 10 years ago and it was wonderful to return. Our friends carried on to the end but we had to head home after Burgos, where we had a fantastic lunch. Perhaps we will return to finish the walk.
The Fatigue of Hope
I love the process of finally getting thoughts onto paper. The Fatigue of Hope is the name of the second collection of short stories I am working on and I wanted a story with that title to accompany the collection. I have been thinking about this for over one year and finally, today, some writing arrived on the page. There is a long way to go but the beginning is ever so sweet!
Jan Kjaerstad
I am in the second book of my March trilogy read. This month it is the Jonas Wergeland Trilogy by Jan Kjaerstad from Norway. All three books are translated by Barbara Haveland. The first, The Seducer, was published by Overlook Press. The next two, The Conqueror and The Discoverer, were published by Open Letter, one of my favourite publishers for translated works. It has been an interesting series so far, with an exploration into the stories that make up a life and the connections between those stories: which ones are important and lead to later life outcomes. Back to reading.
Not So You'd Notice
My first short story collection manuscript. I have sent it out to one publisher, after which I received a polite rejection. But I am ready to send it out there again!
